Consistency

"The classic example of an is that of plane geometry formulated by Euclid... It forms the model of all rigorous mathematical schemes. The axioms are the initial assumptions... From them, logical deductions can proceed under stipulated rules of reasoning... analogous to the scientists' laws of Nature, whilst the axioms play the role of s. We are not free to pick any axioms... They must be logically consistent..."

"The theoretical view of the actual universe, if it is in correspondence to our reasoning, is the following. The curvature of space is variable in time and place, according to the distribution of matter, but we may roughly approximate it by means of a spherical space. ...this view is logically consistent, and from the standpoint of the general theory of relativity [is most obvious] lies nearest at hand; whether, from the standpoint of present astronomical knowledge, it is tenable, will not be discussed here. In order to arrive at this consistent view, we admittedly had to introduce an extension of the field equations of gravitation, which is not justified by our actual knowledge of gravitation. It is to be emphasized, however, that a positive curvature of space is given by our results, even if the supplementary term [] is not introduced. The term is necessary only for the purpose of making possible a quasi-static distribution of matter, as required by the fact of the small velocity of the stars."

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day. — 'Ah, so you shall be sure to be misunderstood.' — Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood."

"Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are the dead."

"Consistency is a virtue for trains: what we want from a philosopher is insights, whether he comes by them consistently or not."

"Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."

"Consistency is the enemy of enterprise, just as symmetry is the enemy of art."

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function."

"If a person never contradicts himself, it must be that he says nothing."

"Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago."

"Of course I'm inconsistent! Only logicians and cretins are consistent!"

"A silly ass … wrote a paper to prove me inconsistent. … Inconsistency is the bugbear of fools! I wouldn't give a damn for a fellow who couldn't change his mind with a change of conditions."

"I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own tastes."

"When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?"

"The problem with being consistent is that there are lots of ways to be consistent, and they're all inconsistent with each other."

"Psychotics are consistently inconsistent. The essence of sanity is to be inconsistently inconsistent."

"Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)"

"Of right and wrong he taught Truths as refin'd as ever Athens heard; And (strange to tell) he practis'd what he preach'd."

"Tush! Tush! my lassie, such thoughts resigne, Comparisons are cruele: Fine pictures suit in frames as fine, Consistencies a jewell. For thee and me coarse cloathes are best, Rude folks in homelye raiment drest, Wife Joan and goodman Robin."

"Nemo doctus unquam mutationem consilii inconstantiam dixit esse."

"Gineral C. is a dreffle smart man: He's been on all sides that give places or pelf; But consistency still wuz a part of his plan; He's been true to one party, and that is, himself;— So John P. Robinson, he Sez he shall vote for Gineral C."

"Inconsistency is the only thing in which men are consistent."

"Cantilenam eandem canis."