charlatan

is less the one responsible for preying on the credulous than it is the case that the credulous themselves are responsible for manifesting a propensity for charlatanism.

THE charlatan is not usually a cynical individual who preys on the credulous. It is the credulous themselves who manifest a propensity for charlatanism. When we believe ourselves in possession of the only truth, we are likely to be indifferent to common everyday truths. Self-deception, credulity and charlatanism are somehow linked together.

Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy. The charlatan is verbose and assumptive; the Pharisee is ostentatious, because he is a hypocrite. Pride is the master sin of the Devil ; and the Devil is the father of lies.

charlatan, n.All

charlatan