A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

Holding a position only because you held it yesterday is not integrity, it is inertia wearing integrity’s clothes. The fear underneath is usually about looking unreliable, so people defend old opinions long after the evidence has moved. Consistency is worth something when it comes from stable principles and worth nothing when it is a refusal to be seen changing.

Name one view you hold mainly because you have said it publicly. Ask what you would conclude if you met the question fresh today. Changing your mind out loud costs less than you expect, and it makes everything else you say more believable.