What is Inconsistency-Avoidance?

Inconsistency-Avoidance is a mental model used for better thinking and decision-making.

How do you apply Inconsistency-Avoidance?

To apply Inconsistency-Avoidance, identify situations where this framework is relevant, then use it as a lens to evaluate your options and decisions. The model is most useful when combined with other complementary mental models.

What category does Inconsistency-Avoidance fall under?

Inconsistency-Avoidance falls under the Psychology & Behavior category of mental models. Other models in this category can be found on the Psychology & Behavior hub page.

Why is Inconsistency-Avoidance important?

Inconsistency-Avoidance is important because it provides a structured way to think about problems that would otherwise be approached with intuition alone. Understanding this model helps you avoid common reasoning errors and make better decisions.

Where does Inconsistency-Avoidance come from?

Inconsistency-Avoidance is discussed in the tradition of Charlie Munger.

Psychology & Behavior

Inconsistency-Avoidance

Model #0936Category: Psychology & BehaviorSource: Charlie MungerDepth to apply:

4 min read

Contents

1. Core Idea
2. How to See It
3. How to Use It
4. Founders & Leaders
5. Connected Models
6. One Key Quote
7. Summary & Further Reading

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Section 1

Core Idea

Inconsistency-Avoidance is the brain's deep resistance to holding or acting on contradictory beliefs, ideas, or behaviours. To conserve energy and maintain a stable self-concept, the mind automatically filters out information that conflicts with existing views and gravitates toward actions that match prior commitments. Charlie Munger identified this as one of the most powerful human tendencies: once a person has publicly committed to a position, they will distort new evidence to maintain consistency with it. In business, inconsistency-avoidance explains why teams persist with failing strategies long after the data has turned, why founders defend early decisions that should be revisited, and why cultures become self-reinforcing echo chambers. The tendency protects identity at the expense of accuracy.