Self-Contradiction:
Or, knotting your own shoe laces

Have you ever been engaged in conversation with someone who insists upon contradicting themselves, usually while believing they are arguing with you? I encounter this phenomenon more often than seems natural. Not to imply that contradicting one's self is a common occurrence, but for some, it is.

Case in point: A friend and I were watching a television documentary on the life and reign of Catherine the Great (1700s Russian Empress). While scenes of Russian landscape and architecture played across the screen, my friend abruptly commented, "Isn't it funny how Russia is completely hidden from our eyes?"

Weren't we, at that very moment, witnessing scenes of Russia? I felt confident in knowing what he meant, but feigned uncertainty to make a point. I couldn't help myself. His expression of the thought was rather ridiculous and being the smart-ass I am, I just had to subtly emphasize its absurdity. Shame on me.

I looked at him blankly and asked, "Isn't every where hidden from our eyes?"

He didn't appreciate the sarcasm as much as I did, but was obviously somewhat offended by it. He takes himself far too seriously.

He responded with, "Yeah, right. I guess this house is hidden from our eyes?"

I answered, "Your statement wasn't clear and I'm not sure what you meant. Everything but this very room is currently hidden from our sight. But if you're referring to countries, what about France, or England, or any others? Aren't they all hidden from our eyes?"

He then appeared slightly angered, as if I were mocking him. Imagine that. I went on to say that because his original comment wasn't clearly worded, his meaning was obscure, at best. But if he'd been referring to the lack of televised programs or public school education about Russia or depictions of Russian landmarks, his comment was certainly true. He still seemed highly annoyed with me, and I'm not at all convinced that he'd followed the point I was making. I say that because of his next remark. After a few moments of silently watching the documentary, I commented that there were certainly some very pretty buildings in Russia. With a snide connotation and undertones of lingering contempt, he interjected, "How could you possibly know that? Everywhere is hidden from our eyes."

Let's back up to the beginning: we were viewing scenes of Russian architecture when he first stated that Russia was hidden from our eyes. Yet, when those buildings

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