Contrarianism
In an eminently thought-worthy post, Don Boudreaux describes the virtues & vices of contrarianism.
Being contarian is admirable because it keeps the mind open and exploring; it's of a piece with one of the finest of all intellectual dispositions: skepticism.
When I contradict myself (which happens at the same frequency as that of trains departing from the Central Railway Station), i often take shelter behind the open mindedness of such full-blooded skepticism, sometimes affording myself a view from both sides of the blinds, so to speak. And with a frequency, not much less than the earlier stated, I fall prey to the contrarian vice - rejecting some piece of wisdom simply because it is widely accepted -- and of confusing the possible for the plausible.
He also goes on to frame a very likeable definition of wisdom, borrowing from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's analysis ("To recognize the significant in the factual is wisdom"). He fears, quite justifiably so, that too many contarians are content to bask in the brilliance of their cleverness even if this brilliance blinds them to wisdom.
Ahem. If you notice any similarities between this proclamation and a certain reckless blogger, you're strongly advised to ignore the feeling.