@The Gawd
I never understood that kind of 'commitment'. I've seen that way too often and the perpetrators aren't just believers. People seem to think it's good and proper to back up [insert name of members of a random group that's perceived as 'yours'] at any cost, even if/when they're obviously wrong. I for one dislike that. If I make a mistake, I count on my friends to correct me, so I won't keep on doing that same mistake over and over again. If they fail to do that, I don't consider them my friends or allies. I've left quite a few forums because of small groups of people who stuck together no matter what and gang up on others just because groupthink is easier than using your own brain and taking time to check shit out.
I understand that no one likes it when someone proves them wrong. But getting new information, being offered a new insight on things, and correcting mistakes is far more important for me (and in my opinion the entire humanity) than my own petty feelings. I like answers, I really do, even if they are in direct contrast to my beliefs, whatever they may be. When facts change, I change my mind, like John Maynard Keynes said. I don't look for excuses to keep believing something that's blatantly wrong, I won't stick to anything I've said or believed in the past, if that's no longer true.
But I guess that's something one has to learn. I was lucky enough to learn by example because my parents never hesitated admitting they were wrong when proven so, and they never spared me cohered arguments for their statements. My attitude towards my own opinion is probably the reason why strongly idealistic people find me fickle. I just can't commit to any ideology, never could. I seem to be incapable of groupthink (not always, I've been swayed more than once before). I practically don't believe anyone and I check out every single thing. I'm adamant that I need to form my own opinion and that it has to be informed. If the information I base my opinion on proves incomplete, incorrect or false, I'll simply disregard it and move on. I haven't lost a limb over changing my mind yet and I've found out it doesn't even hurt. Actually, finding new information and the very act of changing my perception due to it is something I revel in and have fun with. Go figure.