I’ve always disliked the phrase: “You couldn’t be more wrong,” as though being wrong isn’t absolute.
One of my favorite shows did a good job trying to explain the gradation of “wrong,” when pointing out: “It’s a little wrong to say a tomato is a vegetable, but very wrong to say it’s a suspension bridge.” Funny, but still not selling me on the idea.
I know a loved one that tries so hard to avoid being wrong, it becomes paralyzing. Limiting what is said, felt or attempted is a safe bet to lower the likelihood of being incorrect, but is that the “right” way to live?
Can I confess something? I am wrong a lot. Not because I’m unintelligent, but because I want to explore interesting ideas or attempt to do new things. I’m not sure we can truly grow or learn as much if not for being wrong a time or two…(or a much higher number in my case).
And what’s so great about being right all the time? I know of medical diagnoses that were correct and only leave people heartbroken. When you’re right about being cheated on or lied to- does that feel good?
We need to come to terms with the idea that being wrong now and again is not a bad thing. What’s really important is having people in our lives that are willing to forgive us and love us either way.
It doesn’t get more right than that.
“I’d rather be optimistic and wrong than pessimistic and right.” – Elon Musk
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8
Toni L. Harty 