"Being Right" vs Having the Right Answer- Do You Know the Difference?

It seems to be almost an inherent part of human nature that we like to "be right." It makes us feel good when we know something and can put it to functional use, or we know something that can help out someone who's looking for answers. At a more basic-- "animal"-- level, being right helps people establish where they "fit" into the ranks of a social hierarchy.

For the most part "being right" is some combination of experience, learning, knowledge, common sense and intuition.

Now, this may seem simple enough... but it isn't always so.

The Dark Side of "Rightness"

Have you ever met someone for whom "being right" and knowing everything is almost like a badge of honor?

My guess is "yes." 

For such a person it feels like the personal outcome of "being right" is actually more important than whether the information or argument they are making is tangibly and measurably correct. Which is why we sometimes experience such people defending a completely inaccurate point of view with great force and emphasis.

We may dismiss such people as "blowhards" or "know-it-alls" but it always makes me wonder what's going on inside these individuals.

I spent some time hanging out with a psychologist friend some years back, who explained that some people wrap a huge part of their self-identity (and consequently self-worth) up in their perceived "expertise" in some-- or many areas of life. As such, it becomes a massive blow to their ego to admit to being "wrong," and they will go to great lengths to avoid looking like they don't know what they are talking about.

Interestingly enough, we see this sort of behavior quite frequently in politicians and public figures who will viciously defend a perspective that's clearly wrong... and even when called on their incorrect assertions, will continue to argue that it was "never their fault" because they were given incomplete or inaccurate information... by someone else. 

And that seems to be another common thread: When called on their mistakes, these people inevitably can find external rationalizations that allows them to avoid being personally accountable.

How about YOU? How important is "being right" to you? Do you have any so-called "know it alls" in your life? Do you know anyone who will defend their right to be "wrong" in order to avoid having to admit their mistake (other than kids!)? What do you think causes this behavior in people? Do you think it is malicious, or inadvertent and unplanned? Do they annoy you, or do you not care? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- start the conversation!

(As always, all text and images by the author, unless otherwise stated. This is original content, created expressly for Steemit)