If we require people to be perfect, or even consistent, before we consider their ideas and whether they have merit, we are both enshrining ad hominem discussions as the only standard and giving the keys to the world to the most immoral psychopaths among us, who will simply refuse any moral obligation, rules, and aspirations, and therefore be the only ones “worthy” to be listened to.

Personally, I find that repugnant. And no, I’m not always 100% consistent with this. Guess no one should listen to me, either.