Is It Ok To Be Wrong.

**vidcc** · 03-15-2004, 05:43 AM

Of course i could be wrong in assuming this but it seems that the point is people whos opinions are supposedly wrong disappearing, which could just be they are fed up arguing. What is to say that even if 300 people think one thing the only person to think otherwise is wrong? Opinions can't really be thought of as wrong because it's just an opinion based on the facts held at the time and if someone comes up with a differing viewpoint that makes one think differently it doesn't mean that person was wrong...just outdated.
Every viewpoint no matter how much it contradicts ones own is valid unless one is talking plain black and white facts, i couldn't agrue that G.W.Bush is coloured because it's a fact that he is white, but i could argue that his policies are flawed and be countered by someone that thinks they are perfect and both views could be considered correct.
I used to like debating back in my school days because we would always be made to argue against our own views and it taught me that there are always 2 sides (ok not always).
There are a few people on the forum that i have debated strongly with and even though i often fail to agree with opinions opposed to my own i do consider them and respect those views. I think the hardest thing to admit to is when one has conflicting views within oneself and is torn between making a choice on those views.
It is ok to be wrong, we are all human after all, what is not ok is a "told you so" superiority attitude.

**j2k4** · 03-15-2004, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by vidcc@15 March 2004 - 02:43
Opinions can't really be thought of as wrong because it's just an opinion based on the facts held at the time and if someone comes up with a differing viewpoint that makes one think differently it doesn't mean that person was wrong...just outdated.
Every viewpoint no matter how much it contradicts ones own is valid unless one is talking plain black and white facts,

No offense, vidcc, but:

It is important to remember that while one is entitled to one's own opinion, one is not entitled to one's own facts.

Regrettfully, genuine facts are a bit difficult to come by; merely googling something often gets you nothing more than additional opinions, albeit with fancier wardrobes, clad in all the latest fashions.

It is certainly not true that every viewpoint is valid.

Many viewpoints are utterly ridiculous, and we should not be shy of dismissing them as such.

**vidcc** · 03-15-2004, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by j2k4@14 March 2004 - 21:59

It is important to remember that while one is entitled to one's own opinion, one is not entitled to one's own facts.

It is certainly not true that every viewpoint is valid.

Many viewpoints are utterly ridiculous, and we should not be shy of dismissing them as such.

ok that's why i said "facts held at the time" meaning they are to the best of knowledge true (it was once a considered fact that the earth was flat for example, but later proven to be wrong). I am not confusing someone's opininion with that person being misinformed
Who is to decide what is to be considered as ridiculous? (i have been as guilty as everyone else in deciding i have to admit) what is ridiculous to one may not be to others. Yes some opinions are totally out there and can be downright offensive and laughable but in the mind of the holders they are valid no matter how many view them as fools
That said i do see what you are saying and am not picking at it.

**j2k4** · 03-15-2004, 06:50 AM

Then I am just being a bit more judgemental than you are willing to be, vid.

Some opinions (I know you've seen them, 'cuz you're here, just like me) are not valid, and to grant them standing in any way, shape or form does a dis-service to reasonable discourse, and also to the holder of the "opinion" in question.

This is kind of a pet-peeve of mine:

I do not speak of you, here, but those who demand respect as the first order of business in debate so as to reinforce their self-esteem are idiots.

Self-esteem is the product of a working mind, not a prerequisite for same.

Ill-considered expression mistaken for free speech is an offense to the ears, or, in the case of this forum, the eyes.

**thewizeard** · 03-15-2004, 06:50 AM

Of course it is not ok to be wrong, one should be drawn en quartered! You will not see me back in this thread....so there. :fugley:

**zapjb** · 03-15-2004, 09:52 AM

I agree some people are shattered if they are proved to be wrong. It reminds me when I was younger '70's-'80's. I'd get in fights on very rare occasions. Before I'd fight, I'd ask myself if I could win. On the other hand I didn't fight anyone who couldn't defend themselves.
Now I don't fight, too old. Plus I think it's stupid. But if I did fight these days. I'd have to ask myself an additional question. Can this guy take a beating without coming after me with a gun.
I think people who can't stand to be wrong are apt to be the same people who can't take a beating.

**bigboab** · 03-15-2004, 10:19 AM

As said before, most peple dont just 'disappear' because they are wrong. They disappear because they are fed up hitting their head against a brick wall. Some people will not admit that they are wrong, but will continue argueing despite being proved to the contrary.

**Yogi** · 03-15-2004, 12:11 PM

Dear Hobbes; A fine one!!

One of my major personal innovations over the last ten years was that being right

is sooo nonessential!!!

It's a proces as nicely put by VIDCC(Wow!&#33

and also nicely put in perspective by

the likes of J2K4.

When i was younger(ohhh, sweet youth!!

) i distracted(or at least i tried to)

identity from making my point and being right.

I am truely thankfull now i left that path for a life more pointed at having actual

communication and true contact. Having a focus on making your point can be so

much in the way of what others are about!!! :helpsmile:

Though i think most discussions in the lounge are rather harmless, some people

show severe handicaps in communication. If i see a chance in pointing that out to

them i a harmless way, i will.

Oh, and being proven wrong actually feels good to me, it means room to

improvement; wich is nice!!

I like progession.

Yogi

**hooked** · 03-15-2004, 12:20 PM

Originally posted by hobbes@15 March 2004 - 01:00
Is it so hard to admit you are wrong? I guess it all boils down to how secure you are offline.

i have a tendency to look a bit harsh sometims but i have no problem of showing that i was wrong .........

proof