Why are others so wrong?

[Robert]

There are some topics on which I have an opinion, but those topics aren't the topic of discussion, so they shall go nameless. What I want to open for discussion is this, Why I am always right on those topics and why are others so obviously wrong. I used to think that those people who are so obviously wrong were just not all that bright. Maybe dropped on their head as a baby. What else could it be? For them to be so completely wrong about something and yet think they are correct could only mean they are stupid.

But then I realized that my friends were wrong on certain topics, and they were otherwise smart, educated and intelligent. And some public figures I thought to be intelligent, yet they were wrong. How can it be? And then I realized, if those people ever sat down to submit a post to a forum, like I'm doing now, their post would probably sound much like mine. Except in their version they are right and I am wrong. How can it be?

I think this comes down to an illusion of judgement. We can believe we are correct, have good judgement, and yet be completely wrong and not even realize it. The illusions of judgement can be illustrated in ways similar to the many visual illusions we have seen. I have a couple of books on the topic and I'm hoping they will help answer my question. So, maybe with these books, and your forthcoming discussion and insight, I can figure out why I am right and others are so wrong.

[mkirkpatrick]

A very interesting thread starter Robert,you really should do more you know!
I am rather fond of the idea that,"you are perfectly entitled to your opinion
even though it is wrong".I tend to see this rather differently,for if I believe
that I am right and you are wrong,then I am in effect becoming exclusive and
that to me leads to arrogance and false conceit.Rather than look at who is right,and who is wrong,I would say that I agree,or disagree with you.That I feel is vastly different than saying you are wrong,which is a judgement,and
I am not a judge!I used to think a while ago how nice it would be if everyone
agreed with me all the time,and that there was never any disagreement,I thankfully no longer hold to this idea!

kindest regards michael.

[harmonygirl]

Robert, I can completely commiserate! I used to often wonder exactly the same thing. In fact, I am not sure that I don't still (perhaps even not so secretly...) believe the same thing. I think we form opinions based on our life experience, so what rings true for one person (their "rightness) is often not true for another (their "rightness"). What I hope I have realized is that (*although I am still right*) I can be open to another rightness based on a different life experience, which ultimately will either come around to my way of thinking or I shall come around to a different way of thinking. EVen to get here took me quite a while. I have also learned that to insist on being 'right' when it comes to important relationships can be fatal for the relationship. I guess I have learned to hold my natural instincts in abeyance (or at least hide them better!) Don't know if that helps!

[HappytheStripper]

Who said I was wrong .. ??

My mother dragged us up to be always right with an understanding that the general population were misguided in their attempts to understand that which is so obviously clear ..

I am always right and Robert you are also right .. that does not therefore imply I am wrong .. and if it happens to be proven I am wrong by whichever means .. this does not necessarily imply you are right ..

As it has been shown years down the track .. even the most noblest of scientists and philosophers have been what you call .. [wrong]

It means we have differing views on the knowledge already contained and the information being received .. individually .. because this is what we know .. through the senses .. neither being right nor wrong .. lol .. nice topic though .. Bit of a tounge twister ..

[mkirkpatrick]

Who said I was wrong .. ??

My mother dragged us up to be always right with an understanding that the general population were misguided in their attempts to understand that which is so obviously clear ..

I am always right and Robert you are also right .. that does not therefore imply I am wrong .. and if it happens to be proven I am wrong by whichever means .. this does not necessarily imply you are right ..

As it has been shown years down the track .. even the most noblest of scientists and philosophers have been what you call .. [wrong]

It means we have differing views on the knowledge already contained and the information being received .. individually .. because this is what we know .. through the senses .. neither being right nor wrong .. lol .. nice topic though .. Bit of a tounge twister ..

Well said Ashley,we can both be right,and of course both be wrong,but that is okay,if we are adult about it,and not prone to childish tantrums,not me of course!how dare you suggest such a thing???

regards michael.

[HappytheStripper]

how dare you suggest such a thing???

regards michael.

Thanks Michael .. how are you .. ?? By the way .. did I miss something .. ?? Or am I feeling the effects of being sick at present .. ??

[mkirkpatrick]

Thanks Michael .. how are you .. ?? By the way .. did I miss something .. ?? Or am I feeling the effects of being sick at present .. ??

No you did not miss anything Ashley,just my idea of humour!Are you feeling ill?If so get well soon,that is an order?Okay!

kindest regards michael.

[HappytheStripper]

Oh and yes Michael .. LOL we can all be right .. wrong is the vehicle we use to get to right .. I think ..

[HappytheStripper]

Yes very sick .. and just about to go jump back into bed .. depends on what catches my eyes though and this post did .. lol .. thanks though (".)

[ZenClone]

But then I realized that my friends were wrong on certain topics, and they were otherwise smart, educated and intelligent. Except in their version they are right and I am wrong. How can it be?

I think this comes down to an illusion of judgement. We can believe we are correct, have good judgement, and yet be completely wrong and not even realize it.

Perception & Experience. (probably)
perhaps a lack of adaptability, Attachment to their beliefs.

"A full stomach can not believe that such a thing as hunger exists"