Why can't everyone be right all the time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of certainty in knowledge and the perception of being "right" in conversations. Participants explore personal experiences with confidence in their answers, the reactions of others, and the complexities of communication and understanding in intellectual discourse.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a belief that if they assert something as true, it must be correct, leading to accusations of being a know-it-all.
  • Others suggest that confidence in one's knowledge can irritate those who may not share the same level of understanding.
  • A participant reflects on personal growth in recognizing the value of differing perspectives and the importance of humility in discussions.
  • There is a recognition that opinions can be mistaken for facts, complicating interpersonal communication.
  • Some participants share humorous takes on their own perceived infallibility, while acknowledging their fallibility in practice.
  • There are references to specific individuals in the forum who are perceived as overly confident in their assertions, leading to lighthearted banter about their credibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a recognition of the complexities of asserting knowledge and the challenges of communication, but there are multiple competing views on the nature of being "right" and how it is perceived by others. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the balance between confidence and humility.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reflect on their personal experiences and the subjective nature of knowledge, indicating that their views are influenced by individual interactions and perceptions rather than established facts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring themes of knowledge, communication, and interpersonal dynamics in intellectual settings.

tribdog
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When someone asks me a question I have three possible answers:
1. I don't know
2. I'm not positive, but I think the answer is ...
3. The answer is...

If I answer someone's question and tell them that I'm sure I'm right, then I AM right. I don't EVER give someone a wrong answer, without the qualifing "I'm not positive but..."
Lately I've been accused of being a know-it-all, and several people have asked me "You think you are always right?"
My answer is "Yes, if I say something and say it's right, then it is always right"
Why is this so hard for people to grasp? I have no problem making guesses, but I'll let you know it's a guess.
I think the problem is that I deal with stupid people quite often. I assume that if you actually found this website then you are an intelligent person, so I want to know: Aren't you always right?
 
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Originally posted by tribdog
When someone asks me a question I have three possible answers:
1. I don't know
2. I'm not positive, but I think the answer is ...
3. The answer is...

If I answer someone's question and tell them that I'm sure I'm right, then I AM right. I don't EVER give someone a wrong answer, without the qualifing "I'm not positive but..."
Lately I've been accused of being a know-it-all, and several people have asked me "You think you are always right?"
My answer is "Yes, if I say something and say it's right, then it is always right"
Why is this so hard for people to grasp? I have no problem making guesses, but I'll let you know it's a guess.
I think the problem is that I deal with stupid people quite often. I assume that if you actually found this website then you are an intelligent person, so I want to know: Aren't you always right?

Hehe. Sounds all too familiar. I think a few things are happening here. For one, you have the typical analytic, pragmatic, logical approach that irritates the hell out of people who are not as smart as you. I had a friend in college who affected me this way. I knew that he was smarter than me so his confidence irritated me. [note that I was wiser so ha ha ha! ] Also, many people mistake opinions for facts. If they don't know the difference, since they perceive that you are only expressing an opinion, people may consider you to be pompous; when really you are just stating a fact. Also, since this may require that they reconsider their values or opinions, many people don't really want to be objective. Physicists and scientific types in general typically prefer knowledge to fantasy. I don't feel that this is typical of most people. I have actually felt guilty after once shattering someone’s deluded belief system. I realized that this is all that some people really have. So be kind. Not everyone enjoys the brand of intellectual honesty that you and I and most people in this forum do.
 
You know I was just having a similar discussion over in philosophy. So let me share a little personal info with you (no, not THAT personal:wink: ) One of my closest friends whom I've now known for many years is very intelligent. Moreso than myself, though it took me many years to admit that to myself. When we were kids(ya it's been that long) we used to always lock horns on anything and everything. But over the years I believe I've taught him as much as he's taught me. But we're both stubborn, and both have egos, though I would concede that his ego is a little bigger. Weather it's desrved or not is of course a matter of opinion. For many years I would not listen to anything he tried to explain, because I was the older one, and so I assumed as a kid, the wiser one(hey a few years is a big deal when you're a kid!:)

But as we grew older I began to put myself in check, at fist out of humoring him. But then I began to realize that a lot of his ideas had great merit(though not all). Now we listen to each other, and have come to an understanding. I've since then learned to temper myself against swift judgement not only of him, but of everyone. It was a growth experience for me. I'm sure a lot of people have similar stories of finding their places in reference to others, that is mine.

I try to remember on a daily basis that NO, I don't know everything, and there always something to be learned from a misconception, if you are open minded enough to accept your mistake. We can't all be right all the time. I'm reminded of a confucious saying: sometimes it is better to remain silent and leave others to wonder if you are a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt. The more energy you spend trying to prove the wrong answer, the longer it takes to reach the right one, and thus you learn less.

But that's just my way of looking at life
 
Originally posted by Zantra
I try to remember on a daily basis that NO, I don't know everything

I failed to include this point, but of course, this must always be remembered. This is also something I have often failed to remember. It had never occurred to me that someone could disagree with my physics books and still have a valid point of view.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
I failed to include this point, but of course, this must always be remembered. This is also something I have often failed to remember. It had never occurred to me that someone could disagree with my physics books and still have a valid point of view.


Sometimes what appears to be a step backwards in achievement is actually 2 steps forward in enlightenment and understanding.
 
"I assume that if you actually found this website then you are an intelligent person..."

Ahh, I think its google that is intelligent, not me. Haha. ALl the same, this site still rocks.
 
Originally posted by Matt
"I assume that if you actually found this website then you are an intelligent person..."

Ahh, I think its google that is intelligent, not me. Haha. ALl the same, this site still rocks.

if you made the effort to click search for this site, click on it, create a name, and post on these forums... all by your own will... you, my friend, are more intelligent than most.
 
Originally posted by tribdog
Aren't you always right?

I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
I too have been accused of "Thinking I am always right" many times over.

I have since figured out a reply to this:

"I don't think I am always right...but I do always think I am right."



(Just incase you couldn't be bothered out figuring the word play there: Of course I think I'm right...if I didn't think I was right, I wouldn't be saying it would I? But although I think I am right in this instance, I also know from many many experiences, that I am often wrong. So I now await your case to prove my error to me. Until you do this, I will continue beleiving that I am right.)
 
  • #10
If you're ever interested in the right answer, just as Physicsrocks88, he knows everything...
 
  • #11
HAHHAHA, LOL...go look at the How do you hypnotise people thread in "how stuff works" i only just posted in there telling PhysicsRocks88 that he has a lot to learn in terms of stating 'facts' which he doesn't know...

*I am amused*
 
  • #12
Originally posted by Another God
HAHHAHA, LOL...go look at the How do you hypnotise people thread in "how stuff works" i only just posted in there telling PhysicsRocks88 that he has a lot to learn in terms of stating 'facts' which he doesn't know...

*I am amused*


Yes it took all of 1 post from him to get me started. I guess I'm getting quick at spotting this type of personality.
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Dave
If you're ever interested in the right answer, just as Physicsrocks88, he knows everything...


LOL! that's great! i'll bet you ten bucks he'll be kicked out by the end of the week!
 
  • #14
$20 he'll be out by the end of today!
:wink:
 
  • #15
Couldn't resist.. had to say something to him.. hehe...
 
  • #16
Originally posted by maximus
LOL! that's great! i'll bet you ten bucks he'll be kicked out by the end of the week!

Not before he says I'm 100% absoluely incorrect... and swears at me...

I thought 100% and absoluely were the same?
 
  • #17
i swear to god if he ever posts anything with "100%" in it again, i'll go crazy.
 

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