Understanding 'Paradox' in Context

Read the following passage carefully:

The historian's analysis of the ancient text uncovered a startling paradox that hinted at the complexities of human nature. While the text lauded the virtues of altruism, it simultaneously narrated events steeped in betrayal and selfishness. This contradiction, he argued, was not merely a literary device but a reflection of the duality inherent in mankind. To understand this ambiguity fully, one must delve into the historical and cultural context surrounding the text.