Cunningness and fakeness are two words that often come up when discussing people's behavior. But what do they mean? Is cunningness simply a clever way of getting ahead, or does it come with a sense of fakeness? In this article, we will explore the relationship between these two traits, provide examples, and discuss their implications in everyday life.

What is Cunningness?

Cunningness can often be defined as being clever, skillful, or shrewd in a way that is often deceitful. A cunning person uses their intelligence to achieve their goals, sometimes at the expense of others. For example, think of a fox in a story that tricks other animals to get food. This behavior is seen as clever but not honest.


Example of Cunningness

Let’s say in a workplace, an employee notices a project leader struggling with a presentation. Instead of offering help, this employee uses this opportunity to take credit for the project later, presenting it as their own. While this employee showcased cunningness by calculating their moves, their actions were rooted in a lack of integrity.

What is Fakeness?

Fakeness, on the other hand, refers to a lack of authenticity. It occurs when someone pretends to be someone they are not or misrepresents themselves. Fakeness involves creating a façade or using deception to gain acceptance or an advantage. It can manifest in different ways: social media personas, relationships, or even in professional settings.

Example of Fakeness

Consider someone who posts glamorous photos on social media, showing off a luxurious lifestyle, but in reality, they are struggling to pay bills. This person creates a false image to gain followers or approval, indicating a sense of fakeness rather than authenticity.

The Connection Between Cunningness and Fakeness

Now that we understand both terms, let’s delve into their connection. Cunningness often involves manipulation and deceit, traits that can align closely with fakeness. When a person is cunning, they may use charm or cleverness to hide their true intentions, leading others to believe in a false narrative.


Example of the Connection 

Imagine a scenario in a social group where someone is always flattering the leader, but their real intent is to gain influence. While their compliments may seem sincere, this behavior is cunning because it serves a self-serving purpose. The individual is not being genuine; rather, they are pretending to be a supportive friend, all the while having ulterior motives. This duality shows how cunningness can closely resemble fakeness.

What About Positive Cunningness?

It's essential to note that not all cunningness is negative. There are times when being clever can bring about positive outcomes. For example, a brilliant negotiator may use cunning tactics to reach an agreement that benefits everyone involved. Here, cunningness does not necessarily equate to fakeness; instead, it embodies wise strategic thinking.

Positive Example

In sports, a coach who develops a clever game plan to outmaneuver the opponent exhibits cunningness. This strategic thinking can lead to victory without deception or fakeness. In this case, cunningness works authentically, contributing to real success without the need to manipulate others.

The Fine Line: Intent Matters

The critical factor that determines whether cunningness veers into fakeness is intent. If someone uses their cunningness for self-serving purposes at the expense of others’ honesty or well-being, it can fall into the realm of fakeness. However, if that ability is used for mutual benefit and transparency, it retains its value without compromising authenticity.

Example of Intent

In a business setting, a manager who uses cunning strategies to motivate their team (like rewarding innovative ideas or fostering collaboration) showcases an example where cunningness does not lead to fakeness. They are being clever in their approach while maintaining a genuine environment, leading to overall team success.

The Consequences of Cunningness and Fakeness

Understanding the consequences of cunningness and fakeness is important. While cunning strategies can lead to short-term gains, being fake can destroy relationships and trust in the long run. Misleading others may lead to temporary success, but ultimately, no one wants to engage with someone they feel they cannot trust.

Example of Consequences

In personal relationships, a friend who continually lies or deceives others may find that they have few genuine connections left. The cunningness used to create manipulative situations could lead to a reputation for being untrustworthy, proving that fakeness has its consequences.

Building Authentic Relationships

Recognizing the thin line between cunningness and fakeness helps in building authentic relationships. By focusing on open communication and honesty, individuals can navigate social interactions with integrity. It’s essential to appreciate cleverness without crossing into deceitful territories.

Practical Steps for Authenticity

1. Communicate Openly: Share your thoughts and feelings honestly with others.

2. Set Intentions: Before engaging in a situation, ask yourself why you are doing it.

3. Be Mindful of Actions:Consider how your actions may impact others and strive for honesty.

4. Encourage Others:Foster environments where everyone feels valued and supported.


Conclusion

In conclusion, cunningness can indeed be very close to fakeness, but the distinction lies in intent and honesty. Cunningness can serve a purpose that does not involve deceit, while fakeness undermines trust and authenticity. By understanding these concepts clearly, we can ultimately strive for integrity in our personal and professional lives, allowing for genuine connections to flourish. In this blog it  has been tried to explain the relationship between manipulation and fakeness through various examples and contradictions, however, the fact can never be forgotten or ignored that the best relationships and opportunities are based on trust and reliability and not on manipulation and deception.