if you want to see some serious cognitive dissonance, open the can of worms that is religion.

if you want to see highly educated research scientists with a good publication record contradict themselves really badly, look no further. religion has you covered.

one person can hold two beliefs that completely contradict each other, even if challenged repeatedly, FOR DECADES.

Humans are awesome in their mental abilities, to the point of being completely stubborn, and to the point that they can hold several oppinions that contradict each other at the same time. just like the moderators here, whowant to protect children but also want people to speak freely, so they may hit you with penalties for saying: "F star star star you". humans appear to be wired for cognitive dissonance.