Change. Do you? Do you let others?

[OinkBoink]

I was just going through some threads in this place which made me think about this and also I've thought about this particular topic sometimes.

Sometimes, we, as individuals, are wrong. Plain and simple. It could be about anything. Ideas, facts, whatever. In order to improve, we must accept that we were wrong about something and change our ideas/views.

This seems straightforward. But, in society, and especially on the internet (which remembers all), accepting that you were wrong can lead to ridicule (which can sometimes exist for a really really long time) and subsequently a blow to your ego and/or embarrassment. As a result, sometimes people just tend to stick to their arguments or do something to avoid the situation altogether.

So my question is: do you change when you are presented with evidence and/or reasoning that deems your previously held ideas as false? Also, do you let others change easily and accept that being wrong is not uncommon or unnatural?

 

[lxskllr]

I'm fine with admitting error, and usually go out of my way to point my mistakes out to others. That helps prevent others from taking heat for my decisions, and that's what a leader does. For random internet stuff, I'll concede to a better argument, but don't make as big a deal out of it since the stakes are low.

 

[rudeguy]

Step 10...

 

[HamburgerBoy]

I like to think that one of my few redeeming traits is that I not only am capable of admitting I am wrong, but that I am also quite adept at doling out self-directed punishment for my misdeeds and devious thoughts. I am aware that many people lack this, however. I suppose that I have never considered "letting" others have the chance to admit this as I like to think that anyone worth talking to is capable of doing this without my permission.

 

[SKORPI0]

I don't see why not and would admit it if I was. I have my own ideas/opinions based on facts that I've gathered/seen myself in real life
or rarely through the internet (where everything is correct -sarcasm.) I'm always open to others peoples insight and welcome it.

Of course, you'll encounter those nut jobs who believe that Bigfoot/Aliens/Ghost are real. 😀

 

[mistercrabby]

I reserve the right to get smarter.

 

[natto fire]

I have been called out and owned up to it at least 3 times on this forum. I have also been ridiculed for remembering an exchange of text between myself and someone else here. I know it is not true communication, hence my low post count, but I do try to count my posts as if I was spewing the words from my mouth, although in more eloquent form.

I have probably changed quite a bit, but that is probably more a product of my age and non internet forum experiences than reading/posting here.

 

[Miramonti]

I think if every 5 years, you can't look back to 5 years ago and say 'I wish I knew then what I know now", you're doing something wrong.

Change can be very hard tho. I've struggled the last 3-4 years trying to change old habits and adopt new methods for work, and it's very frustrating. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes.

 

[IronWing]

If I'm flat-out wrong I find it best to switch over to speaking ex cathedra. It's a real time saver.

 

[lxskllr]

I think if every 5 years, you can't look back to 5 years ago and say 'I wish I knew then what I know now", you're doing something wrong.

Change can be very hard tho. I've struggled the last 3-4 years trying to change old habits and adopt new methods for work, and it's very frustrating. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes.

I don't know about that. Once you hit the mid-late 20s, you should have your knowledge pretty firmed up, and most changes will be gradual refinements of what you already know. I can't think of anything from 5-10 years ago that really shakes the foundation of my belief system.

 

[IronWing]

A big part of science is a formal process for being wrong. There is no shame or loss of face in correcting errors in the face of new data. The only shame is in bullshitting one's self.

 

[irishScott]

Anyone who doesn't admit that they're wrong in face of appropriate evidence is just asking for a miserable life.

Change is a bitch though, and a lot of people simply don't have the balls. That alone is a big reason for failed marriages/relationships.