A paradox on the other hand is a tricky thing, because it looks like a contradiction but is not. It feels as though their is a logical inconsistency somewhere, but given further thought and explanation the concept makes sense or at least leaves you unsure either way.
The question is how do you know whether something is a contradiction or a paradox. The initial feeling and thought when we encounter both a paradox and a contradiction is exactly the same: it sounds false.
In order to discern what is a contradiction and what is a paradox one must first have a keen mind to understand logic and probably some patience in turning over many stones in their mind and book pages.
There seems to be a few patterns in identifying paradoxes. They are almost exclusively highly intentional and thought through. A good paradox usually comes form an intellect, writer, or thinker.
As a simple example, Mark Twain once said, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." He did not just randomly say this one day and then think about it and say, "Oh, I think I just used a paradox". He obviously thought deeply about education and wanted others to think deeply about it as well. More directly he wanted to influence people - he hoped to wake them up to the truth by saying something that would make them think. This helps us identify situations in which we might spend the extra effort to think more deeply about something that strikes us first as a contradiction that can't possibly work out logically. I would venture to propose that Jesus of Nazareth is one such individually who thought deeply about everything he said, and others who heard it thought is was damn well important enough to write down.
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