Consistency is a virtue most of the time. People like to be consistent and some even brag about how they are consistent throughout their lives. I also believe that consistency is a good characteristic, it demonstrates that the person is reliable and doesn't do a flip-flop when the time comes to stand by what they said or did. However, the inability to contradict ourselves, especially in the presence of new information and data just for the sake of being consistent, is also a problem. We all live with many biases, prejudices, and perceptions, and we form our opinions based on these things. Some of these opinions are about our own and other religions and political and social views. Rarely, do people change their opinions about their own religion and political views, not because there is not enough data available but not to contradict themselves and the people around them who helped them to formulate these opinions. However, the same people love to use scientific research or other available data to prove others' views and opinions wrong. This not only shows that we refuse to change our opinions and views even when data to the contrary is available but also shows our selective use of data to prove someone wrong but ignore the same when it comes to proving ourselves wrong. I try my best to avoid this rigidity, it is not easy, as we are not trained to do this, but it is very helpful to learn new things and understand different perspectives. This is why I seek information that helps me to refine my opinions and if I find reliable and verifiable information/data that contradict my views I don't hesitate to update my views, even if it means I contradict myself. It is important to remember that this contradiction or updating of our views is not for some selfish reasons like being accepted in some group or being pressured by the establishment but because there is enough contrary data that shows that we need to update ourselves. There is a difference between flip-flopping for selfish reasons and being an opportunist and being open to new information that contradicts your own principles and ideas.
The obligation not to contradict ourselves under any circumstance is what bad politicians and their supporters do. These people try to justify everything and anything they do either by pointing fingers at others or turning a blind eye to all the evidence offered to counter their arguments. It seems that most people don't want to truth, they just want and actively seek constant validation that what they already believe in is the truth. However, my aim is not to become such a moron. The fact is that anyone can be proven wrong based on experimental evidence and that's the time when we accept that we were wrong and update ourselves to be consistent with the new evidence until again proven wrong the next time. This cycle will go on as long as the human species exists.
Also, not accepting that you can be wrong and believing in all conspiracy theories is not just a sign of stupidity it can be a sign of a narcissist. Narcissists want to feel special, they think they are better than everyone else and don't want to accept that they are wrong. One can see that most politicians fit this definition and the ones that don't are not traditionally considered charismatic or strong leaders. However, things are changing slowly, vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a leadership attribute. When we are proven wrong and we have to contradict our previous statement, we feel vulnerable, only actual leaders can withstand this, narcissists can't. So, be vulnerable, be brave, and avoid being a narcissist.
Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic.
© Vinay Thakur, Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment