The art of changing your mind

It seems that many politicians find it extremely difficult to admit that they have been wrong.

Discussion post

When politicians it changes meaning, often wrapping itself in a way that will make it seem like they have meant the same thing all along.

I think the lack of ability to admit mistakes is detrimental to politics. Intellectually, it should be a goal to be in development. This, of course, means taking new positions. In addition, it can create an artificial distance between people and elected representatives if the latter claim to have the upper hand in everything, always and independently.

I myself have changed opinion about many things in life. Here’s a (non-supplemental) list of stupid things I’ve wanted to say and don’t want to say today:

1. Around that 2009 I was a strong supporter of free file sharing and more or less wanted to completely abolish the entire current copyright system. Today, I think such a policy will be hugely devastating for writers, artists, musicians, yes, for the entire culture industry, really.

2. When I was a leader at Rød Ungdom, we were very concerned about legislating the right to leisure clubs (I think Rødt still supports this). As a local politician, I have generally become extremely skeptical that such offers need to be legislated, because it forces local elected representatives on their hands and feet.

3. When I was an editor In Manifest Tidsskrift, I wrote an article in support of Swedish sociologist Bo Rothstein’s proposal to criminalize giving money to beggars. What idiocy to think!

4. I have given up be against the monarchy in Norway. That is to say: in principle, the monarchy is, of course, desperate, but as long as it works as well as it has done for us so far, how much time and effort should go into abolishing it? Mímir (17) would call it a right deviation.

5. For a short period In high school I was a supporter of the EU and dreamed of ‘another Europe’. Embarrassing!

The list could be done much longer. I have probably become more radical on economic matters and more conservative on what are misleadingly called “questions of value.” Respect for the traditions of society is probably greater today than when you wore a pink knit hat in high school.

I think I’ll keep changing my mind about a lot of things. Hardly on the most central issues in life, but on many small and large ones. Here, as everywhere, the motto of the Padre Agustín Church applies: firmness in the center, freedom in the periphery and love in everything.

The post was first published on Facebook.