Acknowledging contradictions

Humans and human institutions are nothing if not logically inconsistent, using various heuristic devices to erect veneers of understanding between ourselves and a confusing and threatening world. We humans are fully capable of holding apparently contradictory beliefs while undertaking actions which conflict with all our beliefs. This ability to live with paradox may ultimately prove to be a great strength, enabling us to make quite rapid shifts and changes in priorities as global ecological constraints are realized and redefined. The situation in the long-term may well depend upon which contradictions are most important and which values and situations are the most resistant to change.

‘On every issue there are two arguments opposed to each other’ and ‘contradiction is impossible'. (Protagoras)