Self examination is not an easy process. In fact, it's one of the harder things an individual can go through, even if your actions line up well with your convictions.
Purely speculative on my part, however, is the idea that politicians in general do not spend time looking inside in regards to their choices versus convictions when they don't line up. And there's too little questioning of why those convictions are held in the first place.
Because it's painful to see that some things you believe, turn out to be seeds you didn't plant. They may have been planted by parents or your cultural upbringing. They may be Pavlovian responses to your education or bullying. They may have been drummed in by a preacher or may be a reaction to an abuse.
To step back and ask yourself - why do I think this way is difficult and legitimate. It may be better to look at these things a little at a time. But it's worth the look.
Part of the anti-intellectual argument is that Universities produce liberals. I'll argue that Universities are intended to induce inspection and introspect, to teach critical thinking - and yes, the produce "liberals" because when you look at humanity through a broader lens, you tend to find you are not so important in the scheme of things and that wider views really do tend to provide greater perspective. Learning is changing yourself.
Examples:
If you think that all folks on public assistance, for instance, are lazy, why is that? The facts don't support that generalization. Empirical evidence in some cases does - and those are used to support the points of view of people with agendas, good or bad. But if you think this, examining why you think this may lead you to a better understanding of yourself - and potentially a re-scripting of this belief, if you dig into the facts (and depends on finding good information, rather than propaganda).
Another: Pro-life vs Pro-choice - for some this is a religious choice, some ethical, but again, you need to look inside to understand why you feel like you do. My Journey with this question started with my upbringing and was furthered by my experience and understanding others thoughts and ideas about this. Also, see if you can separate the arguments in your mind. Pro-choice is not the same as Pro-abortion. And Pro-life is not the same as Humanitarianism or Universalism. Oversimplification of arguments allows misalignment between your convictions and what you espouse. I'm not judging you , just suggesting introspection, whatever your belief.
The ability to examine , understand and potentially change our point of view is directly proportional to caring about how we impact others in the world. Many, many people choose not to ever do this and offhand, it's easy to understand why. It makes it easier to hold belief even in the face of evidence to the contrary. But there are enough of us who will self examine - I just wish there were more.
And if I sound like people who do this and are able to learn are better than others, I will say this;
One is not better than someone else in the grand scheme. We are created equal. We all deserve to pursue life, liberty and happiness. If you are able to learn and adapt you can better serve your own self and others. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain famously said. Well, yes, in the sense that we all impact each other.
And that does not mean that a person that self examines is better than someone else - we are all still imperfect - and will be. That individual is just more likely to be self fulfilled and be able to help others do the same, while respecting the boundaries of human rights.
Is that better? Well, maybe. I respect that person more. They respect others more and subsequently add more value to the community, the country and the planet.
and learning. I've read anti-intellectual articles accusing colleges of producing "liberals". Education is intended to cause you to question. That process produces thinking and self examination which may separate a person from their scripted understanding. That's not political. It's growth. It's exposure to points of view, but ultimately it is the consumers choice to decide what to think. The experience of questioning is how mankind has continued to survive and get ahead.
But fundamentally it still comes back to equality. We are. Our experiences are different and our contributions and lives are different. So in a sense, the value is that we give back to others, in whatever way we can - as well as what we do for ourselves. It's in that balance, which ebbs and flows, that our humanity lives and hopefully flourishes. Exercising it is the key to maintaining it.
