The Importance of Contrarianism
Is disagreeing with those around us a good thing?
The first book I read this year was one of the late Christopher Hitchens’, entitled ‘Letters to a Young Contrarian’; it was marvellous – a robust guide to approaching contested issues of the day in a way which is efficacious and courageous. One of Christopher’s most memorable suggestions therein, put into practice by his equally provocative brother Peter, is to be “bloody-minded” from time to time – even when nothing of importance is on the line – because it is, in and of itself, good for the human psyche. In a world which has seemingly forgotten such a prospect, I think that it’s time to revive the contrarians amongst us; to revive those who are at their best, their happiest, and their most comfortable when they are going against the grain of all those around them.
You may ask yourself – why would anyone espouse such an idea: that disagreement, discord, agitation purely for their own sakes are good things? Matter-of-factly, it is the presence of these things, brought about by bloody-minded people, which typically brings us to a better place than its absence. To say otherwise – in a world in which it is utopian nonsense to suggest that we can (and should) all perpetually be of one and the same opinion – is ludicrous. This isn’t to say in the slightest that holders of belligerent, ignorant or misinformed views can in anyway appeal to this as a get-out-of-jail card. The nature of their views will always remain the same.
What it is to say, however, is that when people with whom we stringently disagree present themselves to us – be they playing the devil’s advocate or otherwise – it is at this point that we should do the moral thing, that which will bring us to a better place: argue against them. The no-platforming cancel culture that we have seen emerging in recent times is not a response, it is objectively unjust, and frankly it’s an embarrassment.
The reason I take such a view stems from the fact that without a negation, without an argument against something, there can be no real argument made for it. Think for a second as to whether or not you’ve ever heard of a public figure who is ‘pro-houses’ or ‘pro-oxygen’. The chances are that you haven’t, because the concept seems ridiculous: there exists no one who is putting forward the case against houses, nor against oxygen (although given the current political climate, I wouldn’t be surprised if this view soon began to gain popularity).
How does this lead back to the contrarianism of Hitchens and his contemporaries? The argument that follows in their defence is quite simple: to be contrarian is to help society itself to cement, solidify and develop the good ideas that it has already, by forcing it constantly to re-articulate and strengthen the once dominant ‘pro-’ arguments that may have been forgotten, or allowed to slip in terms of soundness. Ultimately, this equips us all to do better in the long run when the genuinely precious things that have been debated for centuries – liberty, suffrage, equality – are threatened by those with questionable intentions. When this is not the case – when the contrarian, having taken the seemingly unpopular side, wins – nor is it to be frowned upon, but rejoiced. Many of the great moments in political history – the right to universal suffrage, for example – came about as a result of a handful, or even just one, contrarian(s) ‘winning’ the argument. We’re irrefutably better off for it.
I have slowly but surely realised that such thinking is not always shared by others in St Andrews, where the discourse is in an almost permanent state of mellowness, which is certainly not always desirable. “I totally agree with you, but…” being the standard, ear-tormenting riposte of most, as they go on to churn out the same, equally diluted, equally ill-processed argument as those who spoke before them in a marginally different way – proud of their non-existent contribution to our ‘robust democracy’, ‘public discourse’, blah blah – whilst it furthers nothing of value. Be it in an online forum, during a panel, or at a UDS-organised debate, it’s yet another limp soundbite.
This needs to change. It is incumbent upon us to realise that the greatest service we can do to one another is to disagree, and to allow others to do the same, regardless of how extreme we find their opinion (within reason). To disagree with passion, with compassion, and with the knowledge passed on by Hitchens, that, regardless if we’re ultimately wrong, our actions, and our bloody-mindedness, are right.
Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who truly understands what they are talking about on the web. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you are not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.
Good write-up. I certainly appreciate this site. Keep writing!
Good blog you have here.. Itís difficult to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
I like looking through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
From my investigation, shopping for electronic products online can for sure be expensive, nonetheless there are some guidelines that you can use to help you get the best offers. There are generally ways to discover discount bargains that could help make one to come across the best gadgets products at the smallest prices. Thanks for your blog post.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I?ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I’m quite certain I?ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Thanks a lot for the blog. Really Great.
After study a couple of of the blog posts in your website now, and I really like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will likely be checking again soon. Pls check out my web site as effectively and let me know what you think.
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
very good publish, i actually love this web site, keep on it
I appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Very neat blog post.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
I have observed that in the world the present moment, video games are the latest phenomenon with kids of all ages. Periodically it may be impossible to drag your kids away from the video games. If you want the best of both worlds, there are plenty of educational gaming activities for kids. Thanks for your post.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
I do consider all of the concepts you have offered for your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for beginners. May you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.
I like reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment.
Excellent site you’ve got here.. Itís hard to find high quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this website needs far more attention. Iíll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be interesting to read through articles from other authors and practice something from other web sites.
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you should write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about these subjects. To the next! Kind regards!!
very good publish, i definitely love this website, carry on it
clarinex 5mg cheap – flixotide sale ventolin 4mg brand
qiyezp.com
사람들은 모든 종류의 언어를 구사하고 자신의 통화를 흔듭니다.
Thanks so much for the article post.Really thank you! Cool.
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I?ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
Very good blog.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Thanks for another fantastic post. Where else could anybody get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.
Very nice article. I absolutely appreciate this site. Keep writing!
A large percentage of of what you say is supprisingly appropriate and that makes me wonder why I had not looked at this with this light previously. This piece really did turn the light on for me personally as far as this particular subject matter goes. But at this time there is one point I am not really too cozy with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the actual core idea of your issue, permit me observe what the rest of your subscribers have to say.Well done.
I’m not sure exactly why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I certainly loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to look at new things you postÖ
After looking into a number of the articles on your web page, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my web site too and let me know what you think.
May I just say what a comfort to discover a person that really knows what they are talking about on the web. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular because you most certainly have the gift.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be helpful to read content from other authors and use something from other sites.
Very good blog.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Excellent web site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
I was able to find good information from your blog posts.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
It’s a game. Five dollars is free. Try it It’s not an easy game ->-> 토토사이트.com
Very good blog article. Will read on…
buy cheap generic glyburide – forxiga 10 mg us buy dapagliflozin pills
I truly love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím looking to create my own personal blog and would like to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Appreciate it!
Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover an individual who truly knows what they’re talking about over the internet. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people have to look at this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you are not more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.
I love looking through a post that will make men and women think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
otraresacamas.com
この記事から得られる知識は計り知れません。非常に感謝しています。
bookmarked!!, I really like your site.
Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anyone else having identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx.
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, but I really believed you would probably have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.
Iím amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog thatís both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this in my search for something regarding this.
Right here is the perfect web site for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for ages. Wonderful stuff, just excellent!
I really like reading through an article that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe that this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!
Really informative article post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people about this topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
buysteriodsonline.com
Wang Bushi는 눈을 가늘게 떴습니다. “에이커를 사야 할 것 같아요.”
Very informative blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
order glucophage 1000mg generic – precose tablet precose 25mg pill
Hi there! This article couldn’t be written much better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this information to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Right here is the perfect website for everyone who hopes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that’s been discussed for a long time. Great stuff, just excellent.
I appreciate you sharing this blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to come back once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
I really liked your article post. Great.
Say, you got a nice post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Iím amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog thatís both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I found this during my search for something regarding this.
Wonderful article! We are linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually feel this site needs much more attention. Iíll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information!
You should be a part of a contest for one of the finest blogs on the web. I most certainly will recommend this site!
Wonderful article! We will be linking to this great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.
Introducing to you the most prestigious online entertainment address today. Visit now to experience now! Website: https://kubet881.com/
I am so grateful for your article post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
You’re so cool! I do not suppose I’ve read anything like this before. So good to find somebody with a few original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
There’s certainly a great deal to know about this issue. I love all the points you’ve made.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
Im grateful for the blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
Helpful info. Lucky me I found your web site accidentally, and I’m stunned why this coincidence did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.
Very neat article. Awesome.
I believe this is one of the so much significant info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. But want to statement on some normal issues, The site style is great, the articles is in reality great : D. Good activity, cheers
Great items from you, man. I’ve remember your stuff prior to and you are simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve got here, really like what you are saying and the way through which you assert it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can’t wait to learn much more from you. This is actually a great site.
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this website needs a great deal more attention. Iíll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!
This is the right blog for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that’s been discussed for years. Great stuff, just wonderful!
Howdy, There’s no doubt that your blog could be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, excellent website!
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
buy repaglinide 2mg without prescription – buy prandin pills order empagliflozin online
I love it whenever people come together and share opinions. Great site, stick with it.
Very informative post.Thanks Again. Want more.
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice.
indianpharmacy com https://indiaph24.store/# mail order pharmacy india
india pharmacy mail order
sandyterrace.com
Xiao Jing은 미소를 지으며 말했습니다. “Duke Qi, 그냥 어린 아이입니다.”
animehangover.com
그러나 이제 Fang Jifan은 자신이 Xiao Jing과 공모했다는 사실을 인정하기보다는 사형을 감수할 위험을 무릅쓰고 있습니다.
Im thankful for the article post.Thanks Again. Great.
Excellent article. I absolutely appreciate this site. Keep it up!
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Take care! Exactly where are your contact details though?
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Hi there! This article couldnít be written any better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!
Great post. I’m dealing with many of these issues as well..
Heya i?m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.
I have noticed that charges for online degree experts tend to be a fantastic value. Like a full 4-year college Degree in Communication from The University of Phoenix Online consists of Sixty credits with $515/credit or $30,900. Also American Intercontinental University Online provides a Bachelors of Business Administration with a entire program feature of 180 units and a cost of $30,560. Online degree learning has made getting your education far less difficult because you can certainly earn the degree from the comfort of your dwelling place and when you finish from office. Thanks for all the tips I have really learned from your website.
I really like and appreciate your blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is also very good.
toasterovensplus.com
このトピックについてこんなに詳しく書かれた記事は初めてです。素晴らしいです！
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely pleased I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
This article is a breath of fresh air! The author’s unique perspective and thoughtful analysis have made this a truly fascinating read. I’m grateful for the effort she has put into producing such an educational and thought-provoking piece. Thank you, author, for providing your wisdom and stimulating meaningful discussions through your brilliant writing!
I have seen a lot of useful factors on your web page about computers. However, I have the impression that laptops are still more or less not powerful adequately to be a option if you usually do projects that require lots of power, such as video touch-ups. But for web surfing, word processing, and a lot other prevalent computer functions they are okay, provided you do not mind small screen size. Thank you for sharing your thinking.
An attention-grabbing discussion is worth comment. I feel that you should write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject however usually individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
F*ckin’ tremendous issues here. I am very satisfied to see your post. Thank you so much and i’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
rybelsus tablet – oral semaglutide 14 mg order desmopressin without prescription
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the site is also really good.
There’s certainly a great deal to know about this issue. I really like all of the points you’ve made.
A round of applause for your article.Really thank you! Want more.
Really informative blog.Really thank you! Great.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and the rest of the site is also really good.
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your website is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
I really like it when folks get together and share ideas. Great site, stick with it!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the site is also really good.
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
Thanks so much for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the site is also really good.
Thanks a lot for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I blog often and I truly thank you for your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I will bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that make the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!
I really enjoy the blog.Thanks Again. Great.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Regards!
Your style is really unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read, nonetheless I truly thought you’d have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
order terbinafine 250mg for sale – buy diflucan for sale grifulvin v generic
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road. Cheers
Magnificent goods from you, man. I have take into account your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which during which you assert it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to learn far more from you. That is really a terrific website.
Hello there, I think your site might be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, great site.
Aw, this was a very nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a great articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
I quite like looking through an article that can make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the best sites on the web. I’m going to highly recommend this blog!
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors and use something from their sites.
I really liked your article post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
This is really fascinating, You’re an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your feed and stay up for looking for extra of your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
lacolinaecuador.com
Liu Jian은 깜짝 놀랐습니다. 정말 믿을 수 없었습니다.
wow, awesome blog article.Thanks Again. Will read on…
Thank you ever so for you post. Want more.
I love it when people come together and share opinions. Great blog, keep it up!
This is one awesome blog. Really Great.
I was very pleased to discover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you book marked to look at new things in your website.
You made some good points there. I checked on the net for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!