I have always been fascinated by every form of change, and while I do believe that change is constant, I have also found that the word, “change” and the word, “constant” are by themselves, contradictions. Opposites.
Life teaches you about consistency and why it is crucial, but it also reminds of the need to keep changing. They tell you never to give up, but they also tell you to know when to cut them loose. They say silence is golden, but they also say you must speak your mind.
I found that each of these and the ones that follow below are all true, given the circumstances. But sometimes there are also all lies depending on how you look at them. And again, I am reminded that nothing is ever black or white. What works for you now, might get you into trouble the next minute. You know, when they say that one man’s food is another man’s poison. And truer words have not been spoken:
You are not less, because I am more. And, vice versa. And, so when people give you advice. You know, when they sound so wise and all, be careful and sieve through everything you hear. Figure out what works for you in every situation and stick to it. And be on the lookout for when that particular piece of advice ceases to work and then move on to what works, whatever that is.
Dwell a bit on the following:
- They say that all good things come to those who wait BUT they also say that time and tide wait for no one
- That the best things in life are free BUT that there’s no such thing as a free lunch
- You are told that if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again BUT they also say not to beat your head against a stone wall.
- That two heads are better than one BUT that you must paddle your own canoe.
- They say that silence is golden BUT that the squeaky wheel gets the grease
- That the pen is mightier than he sword BUT that actions speak louder than words
- That wise men think alike BUT that fools seldom differ
- They say to look before you leap BUT to strike while the iron is hot
- They say to do it well, or not at all BUT that half a loaf is better than none
- That birds of a feather flock together BUT that opposites attract
- They say not to cross your bridges before you come to them BUT to make hay while the sun shines.
- They say that doubt is the beginning of wisdom BUT that faith will move mountains
- That great starts make great finishes BUT that it isn’t over till it’s over
- That practice makes perfect BUT that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
- They tell you that you’re never too old to Learn BUT that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
- Then they say that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander BUT that one man’s meat is another man’s poison
- That absence makes the heart grow fonder BUT that out of sight is out of mind
- That two is company, three is a crowd BUT that the more, the merrier.
- That too many cooks spoil the broth BUT also that many hands make light work
- They tell you to hold fast to the words of your ancestors BUT that wise men make proverbs and fools repeat them
- Save for a rainy day, they say, but they also say that tomorrow will take care of itself.
- From time to time, someone will tell you that life is what we make it and in another swing will tell you that what will be, will be.
- They say that with age comes wisdom BUT in the same vein, they say that out of the mouths of babes come all wise sayings.
- That fools rush in where angels fear to tread BUT that nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- They tell you that a fool wonders what a wise man asks BUT also that it is better to appear an idiot than open your mouth and remove all doubt
- They say that if you seek, ye shall find BUT that curiosity killed the cat.
And when you think you’ve heard enough contradictions;
- They tell you that clothes make the man BUT that you cannot judge a book by its cover.
So be superficial—or not. - Then this one: They say money (or the love of it) is the root of all evil, BUT they also say that money makes the world go around.
- So money is very bad and also very constructive.
- They tell you that if you Laugh, the world laughs with you; and that if you weep, you weep alone BUT they also say that misery loves company. So gloomy people seek companionship but get rejected?
- That absence makes the heart grow fonder BUT that out of sight is out of mind.
I have found myself working with each of these contradictions at different times and I have seen them work BUT at other times, they’ve been nothing but old wives’ tales.
Let me know what you think. Also share more contradictions you might have.
