Is someone a hypocrite if they criticize their own former behavior?

[BCRanger10]

This is somewhat of a follow-up to a similar question I asked earlier this year. If someone lived, spoke, or behaved one way earlier in life, but they later reevaluated and changed their former lifestyle and is now opposed to it, does that make them a hypocrite?

An example might be if someone abused drugs or alcohol, but now speak out against the same, or if they were previously unfaithful in relationships, or had some other kind of addictive, destructive, or otherwise unhealthy way of life.

[Chazmatazz269]

Not if their behavior or beliefs have changed. A hypocrite is someone who decries certain behaviors or conditions while simultaneously participating in them themselves or condoning them in other select groups or individuals.


Why are you repeating this question? Is there a specific example from your personal experience that you’re trying to get to the bottom of?

[sage2021]

Yeah, I think that would be hypocritical.

Just like people who quit smoking cigarettes 🚬 are so hateful to people who smoke! Geez! 🙄

[BCRanger10]

Why is that hypocritical?

[sage2021]

The old saying "Do as I say, not as I DID MYSELF"!!

[BCRanger10]

Must be a really, REALLY old saying because I've never heard it.

[worldscolide]

Absolutely not. you're only a hypocrite if you criticize someone else's behavior and you do the exact same thing. Basically is the pot calling the kettle black. Criticizing your own behavior is healthy.