What to do about contradiction
As I wrote yesterday - contradiction can be valuable (contradiction for its own sake is often a waste of resources). In fact, our most robust system of values, democracy, is built on the value of contradiction. The best systems are often those that find wisdom in seemingly opposing ideas.
Yet we often criticise those that appear to contradict themselves. This includes those that aim to understand balance or nuance between two points of view. We are quick to insist that people must choose sides, and condemn those that change their opinion over time.
The digital age has made this worse, where an opinion or belief expressed years ago can be dredged up, compared to a current opinion and used as ammunition for why we cannot trust that person.
Let me pause for a moment to clarify something. This is not to say that people should not be held accountable for their opinions - particularly those that are extreme or dangerous. The digital age has empowered people to express opinions at the extremes - where we are often furthest from the truth - without consequence. Expressing an opinion, especially in public, should mean that we are willing to justify it, or engage in conversation that might change our opinion.
A change of opinion over time - especially when objective facts are considered - is a positive thing. The more we condemn people for changing their opinion the more we come to value clinging to beliefs and the retention of ideas (which can lead to stagnation), over the process of finding the best ideas (growth).
We should celebrate contradiction in ourselves and others and be open to it - our learning and growth requires it.