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Bases Quote by Malcolm Gladwell

“That's your responsibility as a person, as a human being - to constantly be updating your positions on as many things as possible. And if you don't contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you're not thinking.” quote by Malcolm Gladwell
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“That's your responsibility as a person, as a human being - to constantly be updating your positions on as many things as possible. And if you don't contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you're not thinking.”

Malcolm Gladwell

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2014

Regularly questioning and revising one's beliefs signals active thinking; avoiding contradictions indicates stagnation.

In simple terms: Thinking requires updating views and spotting contradictions.

Key Takeaway

Keep questioning your assumptions.

Themes

critical thinking self‑reflection intellectual growth

Mood

thoughtful introspective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • academic research
  • political debate
  • ethical decision‑making

Key Concepts

cognitive flexibility epistemic humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • Are you comfortable with changing your mind?
  • How do you handle conflicting evidence?
A Different Perspective

If you never contradict yourself, you may be avoiding deep analysis.

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