Whereas any political party, and nearly all voters, prize consistency as a sign of authentic, values-driven thinking, it is deeply alien to the hacker, who holds that changing your mind is simply intelligence in action.

In this quote, Glenn Kelman contrasts the values of political parties and voters with those of hackers when it comes to consistency and change of mind. Political entities and their supporters often view consistency as a virtue, believing that holding firm to one's beliefs reflects authenticity and alignment with personal or party values. However, Kelman points out that for hackers, the ability to change your mind is seen as a sign of intelligence, not weakness. Hackers view flexibility and adaptability as essential to problem-solving, where evolving ideas or approaches is not just acceptable but encouraged.

Kelman’s statement highlights the different ways thinking is valued in various spheres of society. In the world of politics, consistency is often valued as a mark of reliability and principle, whereas in technology and innovation, being able to adapt and revise one’s approach is seen as a demonstration of cleverness and problem-solving. For hackers, the willingness to change one’s mind, experiment, and find new solutions reflects a dynamic and intelligent approach to challenges, especially in rapidly changing environments like technology.

The origin of this quote comes from Kelman’s background as a CEO in the tech industry, specifically as the head of Redfin, an online real estate company. As someone involved in technology and innovation, Kelman has likely observed the value of adaptability and quick thinking in a tech-driven world. His statement reflects the mindset in Silicon Valley and other tech circles, where the flexibility to pivot and rethink strategies is often more highly valued than sticking rigidly to one course of action.

Ultimately, Kelman’s quote emphasizes the importance of being open to change, especially in fields that require continuous innovation and learning. It challenges traditional views on consistency, proposing that the ability to adapt and change is not only an acceptable trait but a hallmark of intelligent and forward-thinking behavior.