The right to be wrong

A right so basic, it is surprising it is not generally recognized. At least not explicitly, though it is implied in such rights as freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

The right to be wrong is of utmost importance. Its recognition would make human society much better.

Consider how often this right is violated:

• When someone makes a mistake, we often get so upset we complain to his superior and want him fired from his job.
• We make fun of meteorologists because their weather predictions are often wrong. That despite the fact the meteorologists are first to admit meteorology is not an exact science.
• We put such high expectations on our politicians that they are forced to make unreasonable promises to get elected. Of course, when they break them, we bitch, while they say "Mistakes were made" instead of "I made mistakes."
• We sue physicians for malpractice when they make an honest mistake (of course we still should keep them responsible when they should know better, but not for every silly mistake).
• We argue our own beliefs ad nauseam because we would rather see others wrong than to admit "I am wrong".

Yet, even ancient Romans already recognized that Errare humanum est, i.e., to err is human. A Slovak proverb admits that A horse has four legs and yet he stumbles.

But no, we just cannot admit we are imperfect. I tell you what I think of perfection: Perfection is for neurotics! That's what I think. Not for monks as it is commonly said, for neurotics.

What a relief will that be when the fundamental human right to be wrong is finally recognized by society!

• We will no longer be afraid to admit I am wrong.
• We will no longer feel we must fight for our position no matter what.

As a result:

• We will be open minded.
• We will be willing to see the others' position as equally valid as ours, or equally invalid as ours, and say it is OK.
• We will be tolerant toward others. And toward ourselves.
• We will search for the truth, well aware we may never find it, but we can come closer to it every day.

Hmmm... What a coincidence: It is Fourth of July, the Independence Day in the US, as I am writing these words.

No, I did not plan it that way. But it is a good reminder that we cannot be truly independent until we allow ourselves as well as the others to be wrong!