Why are people so unwilling to admit when they're wrong?

[kingjoshi]

Everyone makes mistakes and errors in judgement. Why are so many unwilling to fess up to it?

Inspired by this post from another thread:

Urederra,

Someone on CFC admitted an error in judgement. wow.

 

[North King]

Pride. If one is wrong, then one fears that one will be viewed in a diminished sense. If you give up, you fear that people will think you as a less intelligent person, and so most people don't give up. Not realizing that it just makes them look stubborn, not intelligent.

 

[cgannon64]

I know in my case, it's because I know the other person is going to interpret it as a victory and it will boost their ego.

That's the real problem: Debates become arguments about pride, and all of a sudden realizing the truth means you lose.

 

[kingjoshi]

It should never be about winning or losing. It's not a zero-sum game. It's not even a game. It should be about sharing and expanding understanding. :sighs:

 

[Mongoloid Cow]

Another point which is good raise. I remember reading that it appears it is almost physically impossible for someone to believe something which contradicts what they believe in, despite any overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

 

[Bill3000]

I am never wrong. If I ever seem to be, it's the universe's fault.

 

[Riesstiu IV]

I'm always wrong...

 

[kingjoshi]

I'm always wrong...

Nice paradox.

EDIT: I take that back. It's not a paradox.

 

[Riesstiu IV]

Wait, you could be right and it is a paradox... or maybe not... or... *Head explodes*

 

[kingjoshi]

Wait, you could be right and it is a paradox... or maybe not... or... *Head explodes*

This time I'm right.

It's not a paradox because you're just wrong most of the time and this is one of the instances. No problemo

 

[Riesstiu IV]

Its funny but only on an Internet message board would I debate someone realistically on what is right and wrong on certain issues. And this is still rare for me. I found that most people here are pretty much sticking to their own ideology. I just try and lighten up off topic without getting banned.

In real life I am more likely to avoid the issue, act funny, or pretend to agree with someone as a last resort so I don't have to get into some big debate. I keep my own beliefs to myself.

But too many people are really full of it. It's like a "mine is bigger than yours" competition but with nationalism, economy, and politics instead.

 

[Elrohir]

Because human beings, (Myself included) are proud and arrogant creatures who don't want to admit that we're wrong. This is hardly a new thing.

 

[kingjoshi]

The question is, why don't you want to admit you're wrong? Progress cannot happen without change. Admitting we're wrong is part of the process of progress. I have quite a healthy ego and can be very proud, but I don't see how that would prevent me from admitting I'm wrong. I'm wrong from time to time. It's just that I'm right more often than not

 

[Elrohir]

We just don't like it. It makes us feel inferior and stupid to admit someone else was right, and we were wrong. Also, I think we're secretly afraid that the other person will make a big deal out of it and humiliate you. Basically, it's all about stubborn pride.

 

[Riesstiu IV]

This is too vague. Some issues are too simple to be classified as purely right and wrong. There are 6.4 billion humans each with there own ideology, thoughts, and concerns. How are we supposed to determine what is right and what is wrong in absolute terms?

I don't even care anymore. As long as I and those close to me can live our my insignificant lives without getting horribly killed, people can say or do whatever the hell they want.

 

[kingjoshi]

Thanks. I can't relate but I'm trying to understand.

 

[kingjoshi]

well, just because some of our premises are wrong doesn't mean the conclusion is wrong. We can be wrong on facts, causes and effects, etc.

I think when each person admits they're wrong, more people would be willing to do the same. And instead of arguing, more discussion would take place. Arguing itself isn't a bad word but has so many negative connotations in our society. And admitting we're wrong is essential to having discussions. Otherwise, they'd be like debates where each person only knocks the other down and no one really learns to improve themselves or their views.

 

[Heretic_Cata]

I said this plenty of times: PEOPLE SUCK.
Most people that is ... Those that admit they are wrong don't. I salute you Urederra

 

[HawkeyeGS]

The same reason why the 'willing' are still in Iraq.

 

[Red Stranger]

From what I notice around here, it's not that they're not willing to admit they're wrong, it's that they continue to believe they're right even when they're wrong. I tried to put in my opinion, but a lot of people just resort to name calling.