“I make no hobgoblin of consistency. If I am true to myself from moment to moment, I do not mind at all.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Attributed to Gandhi, 1934 (commonly cited to Harijan). Full line ends '...I do not mind all the inconsistencies that may be flung in my face.' Candidate is truncated.
About this quote
Clinging to an old opinion just to look reliable is its own kind of dishonesty. What counts is being truthful right now, even if today's honest answer contradicts yesterday's. Growth means letting new understanding override the record and shrugging off the charge of being inconsistent.
When to use it
- A leader reverses a policy once fresh data arrives, rather than defending it to save face.
- Someone admits a long-held view was wrong the moment a friend lays out convincing evidence.
- A researcher drops a favored theory when careful results simply don't support it.