Indecisiveness. Fickleness. Flip-flopping. Whatever you choose to call it, the notion that one’s beliefs and opinions can change quickly, seemingly with the wind, is usually not seen as a mark of good character. Rational analysis. Reliability. These are the markers of what we should look for and admire. These are the traits that make someone a good leader. At least that’s how the story goes. We just think that the story may not be right. Sometimes, changing views have little consequence. Calling the waiter back to switch an order may only serve to annoy your dinner companions. Sometimes, though, changing views can have large consequences. For example, in the past few days following the tragedies in Japan, attitudes toward nuclear power have shifted dramatically. Read More...

Tags: Nuclear Power, social policy