SINCERITY MEANS STRESS FREE
The English word (according to a popular legend) ‘sincere’ comes from two Latin words : ‘sin-e’ and ‘cere’.
‘Sin-e’ means: without
‘Cere’ means: wax
So ‘sin’e’ + ‘cere’ means “without wax”
Sincere, therefore, literally means, being “without wax”
In ancient times, when art flourished, it was a common practice to repair with “invisible wax”, any vase or statue that had, as a result of carelessness, been damaged.
>> Sometimes while chiseling the bust in marble, if the chisel slipped out the Sculptor’s hand, some edge of the statue would be chipped off.
>> Rather than taking the trouble of making a new bust…
… the sculptor would repair the features with “wax” so that the flaw could not be detected, unless by very close scrutiny.
However, if the client happened to be a knowledgeable person…
… he would carry the finished statue into the open before paying for it
… and examine it carefully in the sunlight!
>> If the statue was “sincere” i.e. “without wax” – it would remain firm; else some parts of it would drop down!
“Sincerity” of the statue was thus examined in the presence of sunlight!