Psychology says that people change all the time, evolve, and depend on circumstance.

Psychology suggests that individuals are constantly changing, evolving, and shaped by circumstance. This idea was recently explored in depth by Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo during a conversation with journalist José del Río, hosted by La Nación. In her discussion, Sordo emphasized the fluid nature of identity and how personal evolution is driven by shifting priorities, opinions, and external conditions. Sordo argued that personality lacks fixed traits, instead adapting to life’s circumstances. She stated, “We change all the time,” highlighting the dynamic relationship between internal states and external environments. For instance, she explained that one might experience anxiety in certain situations while remaining calm in others, and could display order in some aspects of life while being disorganized in others. These variations, according to Sordo, reflect the malleability of human behavior under different contexts. The psychologist further noted that personal growth requires embracing vulnerability. She described this process as essential for shedding rigid structures and adopting new ways of being. Successful maturation, she suggested, stems from the ability to integrate external changes with internal reality. Over eight years of research, Sordo has observed how self-dialogue plays a fundamental role in mental health. She called it “the most basic unit of psychological well-being.” Sordo elaborated that how individuals speak to themselves shapes their self-esteem and worldview. The internal dialogue, she explained, determines confidence and resilience in uncertain times. To strengthen self-worth, she recommended paying close attention to personal narratives, as they directly influence mental health and social interactions. A person’s story, how they interpret their experiences, has a profound effect on both their emotional state and relationships. In another segment, Sordo addressed the impact of reduced vocabulary on psychological balance. She pointed to psychiatrist José Luis Marín, who warned about the emotional risks associated with the erosion of language. According to Sordo, excessive reliance on technology and visual media has led to a decline in linguistic richness. This, she argued, limits the expression of complex emotions and fosters frustration. “We have reduced the number of words we use,” she said, noting that conversations have become less meaningful and more superficial. True communication, she insisted, demands openness to transformation through interaction. Sordo also discussed the role of accepting suffering in personal maturity. She acknowledged that growth often involves discomfort, yet modern society tends to avoid such challenges. Instead of fleeing from difficulty, she advocated for a willingness to confront crises. “It is necessary to be humble before pain,” she advised. She contrasted rebellion against hardship with submission to it, arguing that resistance prolongs distress and hinders learning. Conversely, she claimed that yielding to pain can lead to deeper understanding and growth. Throughout her analysis, Sordo consistently underscored the importance of adaptability and introspection. Her insights offer a compelling perspective on the ongoing evolution of the self, shaped not only by internal reflection but also by the ever-changing world around us.