成语趣谈（九）：自相矛盾 About Chinese Idioms (9): Argue Against Oneself

During the Warring States Period, a man from the State of Chu was selling weapons in the market. He picked up a shield and shouted, "This shield is very strong, and nothing sharp can penetrate it." Then he picked up a spear and said loudly, "This spear is extremely sharp, and it can penetrate anything solid." The man beside said, "How about stabbing your shield with your spear?" The man could not answer, so he had to pack up his weapons and walk away in dismay.

Contradiction refers to the phenomenon where a person or viewpoint both affirms and denies the same issue, leading to an argument against oneself. This phenomenon stems from individual cognitive biases, social role shifts, cultural differences, and other factors.

1.Self contradiction may stem from individual cognitive biases, which are too simplistic and absolute. People are often influenced by their own experience, knowledge, values, and other factors when facing complex problems, resulting in different perceptions and judgments. When these cognitions and judgments conflict with each other, self contradictory phenomena may occur.

2.Caused by information asymmetry or conflicts of interest. In real life, people often need to switch between different roles, such as being a leader at work, a husband or wife at home, parents, etc. In these roles, people may face different expectations and demands, leading to contradictory behavior.

3.Self contradiction may also be caused by cultural differences. In the context of globalization, cultures from different countries and regions blend with each other, and it is inevitable for people to encounter collisions of ideas and behaviors in communication and interaction. In this situation, self contradiction may become a communication barrier. For example, the Chinese stress "reciprocity", but in Western culture, people pay more attention to individual independence and equality.

So, how to deal with self contradiction? We need to improve our cognitive level, establish correct values, and learn to think from others' perspectives.

战国时期，有个楚国人在集市上卖兵器，他拿起一个盾，大声叫卖着：“这个盾非常坚固，任何锋利的东西都不能穿透。”接着，他又拿起一个矛，大声说道：“这个矛锋利无比，任何坚固的东西都能穿透。”一旁的人说道：“用你的矛去刺你的盾，怎样？”这个人答不上来，只好收拾起兵器灰溜溜地走了。

自相矛盾是指一个人或一个观点在同一问题上既肯定又否定，自己和自己发生冲突的现象。这种现象源于个体的认知偏差、社会角色转变、文化差异等因素。

1.自相矛盾可能源于个体的认知偏差，过于简单化、绝对化。人们在面对复杂的问题时，往往会受到自身经验、知识、价值观等因素的影响，从而产生不同的认知和判断。当这些认知和判断相互冲突时，就可能出现自相矛盾的现象。

2.由于信息不对称或者利益冲突所导致的。在现实生活中，人们往往需要在不同的角色之间进行切换，如在工作中是领导，在家中是丈夫或妻子、父母等。在这些角色中，人们可能会面临不同的期望和要求，从而导致自相矛盾的行为。

3.自相矛盾还可能是由于文化差异所导致的。在全球化的背景下，不同国家和地区的文化相互交融，人们在交流互动中难免会出现观念和行为的碰撞。在这种情况下，自相矛盾就可能成为一种沟通障碍。例如，中国人讲究“礼尚往来”，但在西方文化中，人们更注重个人独立和平等。

那么，如何应对自相矛盾呢？需要提高认知水平、树立正确的价值观、学会换位思考。

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