During the last federal election campaign, a friend and I were discussing a certain Canadian commentator. I said, "the man is certainly brilliant, but he changes his opinion so often." My friend said, "yes, that's what proves his brilliance. It is only a stupid man who never changes his opinion.” I thought about that statement and really, it is very true. It takes a big man and a smart man to reevaluate the situation as they develop and change his own attitude regarding the situation. In our own lives we have seen partners in a marriage at loggerheads because each sticks stubbornly to some conviction that has been proven wrong. We even see it on our highways when some thoughtless driver ends up in the wrong lane but refuses to acknowledge his mistake by moving over where he should be. The person on the other hand who simply goes where the wind blows is equally weak-spirited, but when you see an idea grown threadbare, or find that you have outgrown an attitude, then it's time for a change. It is a sign of weakness to be constantly changing your thinking, but a change at the right time is surely a sign of strength. I think it does something great for your character when you can look objectively at an attitude you've held close and say, "by Jove, I've been wrong as could be on that point and I'll admit it.” There is a little sense in holding onto some thing that no longer has meaning just to satisfy your own egotistical pride. There is an old Japanese proverb that states it so well. "The bamboo which bends is stronger than the oak which resists.”
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