Byron's Babbles

I know that many times it is controversial to bring up Machiavelli, but one of the things that really resonated with me from a really deep study of him early in my career was his advice of “declaring.” Leaders who go from person to person, or group to group and tell each what they want to hear or change their thinking according to the group they were just with drive me batty. I know people who I’ve heard others ask who the last person a leader they were going to talk to was they talked to because that will be what that person will be believing today. That is nuts!

I loved how G. K. Chesterton broached this subject in his Autobiography when he said, “I have generally attempted, in a modest way, to have reasons for my opinions; and I have never been able to see why the opinions should change until the reasons change” (p. 255). This really fits with how I believe we should be. I do believe in declaring what we believe and not leaving clarity to chance, but we can adapt our thinking with new growth and learning. But not just on a whim or to appease others. In the same paragraph Chesterton also said, “For that sort of sturdy Briton does not want to be consistent with himself; he only wants to be consistent with everybody else” (p. 255). It should not be our goal to always be consistent with everyone else.

Chesterton’s comments reflectively highlighted the importance of reason and evidence in shaping our beliefs. He was suggesting that opinions are constructed based on the reasons we have at a given time, and it is only logical to reconsider or change those opinions when our underlying reasons or evidence change. This perspective emphasizes intellectual honesty and humility—recognizing that beliefs should be adaptable and grounded in reason rather than stubbornness or dogma.

Chesterton’s advice to not change one’s views until reasons for change are compelling emphasizes the importance of thoughtful deliberation and prudence before altering one’s beliefs. It encourages patience and a careful assessment of evidence, ensuring that change is justified and meaningful. Machiavelli’s advice to always declare—often interpreted as consistently asserting one’s position—stresses the value of clarity, transparency, and steadfastness. It suggests that revealing one’s stance openly can be a source of strength, influence, or strategic advantage, particularly in political or social contexts.

I see these perspectives as complementary because Chesterton urged us to be thoughtful before changing, and Machiavelli encouraged us to be clear and firm in our declarations once we have made a choice. Balancing both ideas can foster a mindset that values reasoned flexibility and confident communication.