I think consistency is an underrated virtue.
Navigating the world and all its complexities in a moral manner requires a solid philosophical foundation. Even when flexibility and exceptions are required, it’s vital to understand why you’re choosing them. To do otherwise is to be ruled by emotion and whim, no matter how much they disguise themselves as reason.
If your “reason” always tells you to do exactly what you impulsively wanted to do anyway, then it’s likely not a consistent moral framework.
One thing I like about having this ongoing record of my thoughts and musings is that it helps to hold me accountable to myself. And knowing that I have to remain accountable in that way tempers my views and opinions. I stay away from extremes and absolutes, knowing that I don’t want to anchor myself to them. I look for solid foundations, and the reality is that I find only a few moral positions worthy of the title. I think that’s for the best.
