The characterization of this or that person as "two-faced", as a rule, makes other people, if possible, reduce their communication with him. This is especially true for matters related to trust or decency. But what exactly is meant by duplicity?
Character flexibility is good
Duplicity is a negatively colored characteristic of a person, implying excessive moral flexibility and unprincipledness. Despite the fact that society, in principle, is loyal to the right of each person to have one or more “masks” for different occasions, duplicitous people are perceived with disapproval and condemnation. What is the difference between the usual ability to please people, adapting to them, and duplicity?
Society makes certain demands on its members regarding relationships and socialization. Among these requirements, in particular, is the ability to admit wrong, to look at the situation from the point of view of the opponent, the art of being interested in other people. All these qualities are recommended by psychologists and communication specialists to develop, since they are really able to facilitate the communication process, making it more effective. However, at the same time, people who are able to defend their position, principles and beliefs are valued in society. It is ironic that, for all the conformists, the admiration of society is caused by those who are able to fight for their views. The fact is that strength of character and unwillingness to change one’s point of view in favor of the majority is a necessary component for the development of human society. Almost all famous scientists were nonconformists, ready for anything to defend their beliefs.
In ancient Roman mythology, there was a god-gatekeeper Janus, who, according to legend, had two faces. Over time, the expression "two-faced Janus" became synonymous with a two-faced person, although God himself was not accused of anything like that.