"I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes."Walt Whitman

Question

what does whitman mean here by saying that he contradicts himself?

Answer 1

It means he is inconsistent in his speech, or his thoughts, or his feelings.  He asks (himself), "Do I contradict myself?" then replies (to himself)  "So, I contradict myself..."  In other words, it is not that important to me if I change or appear to be inconsistent.  That is just the way I am!

Hope this helps!