why do adults think they're always right?

Question

..even when they're not? like refusing to back down, why can't most of them accept they made a mistake and move on?

btw, if you're going to post nasty answers, don't bother. this is just an observation i made and i want to know what others think.

Answer 1

I think that a lot of people these days do question the notion that age in itself should engender respect. I'm 34, so I'm guessing I've been on this planet a bit longer than you have. In my working life however, age does not always apply. Some of my bosses have been younger than myself and some people of lower rank to myself have been considerably older. Actually, I accept what you say as a fair criticism: I do not always behave with emotional maturity and so I am not always deserving of the respect of younger people - particularly not at those times when I verbally abuse them, and from time to time I do. Equally I sometimes get verbally abused in turn by young people outside of work. Young people and adults do need to behave with mutual respect for one another as respect is what breeds respect in others. This should be the aim of all of us although in practise, I expect we will continue to abuse one another because we are tired, stressed, drunk or plain ignorant, but you have the right idea!!! :)

Answer 2

Talking about family

Deep down most adults know that they may be wrong but the reason for most not to back down to someone younger is that they have to show to be strong, dominant and respected in the family unit. A youngster would love the chance to get one over on there superior. You have to remember that when arguments arise youngsters can push it at times and then it can get a bit heated.

When the younger reach adulthood they do the same to gain respect etc. But adults should not get above themselves there is a balance.

The relationship changes when it is between adult and a more mature teenager. Any conflict at this time should be more easy to handle and between them more respect. Accepting a mistake and moving on is easyer to do compared to someone much younger.

Some adults are assh**e's and would never amit they are wrong and u can always tell who they are. So what u do is ignore them and get some sence out of someone else.

Answer 3

I am not sure they always think they are right but often it can seem that way to youngsters or children. The view of the adult on a certain experience is based on how it affected them ......not to say it will be the same for everyone. I think just as younger generations feel misunderstood so to can adults. Most of the time the opinions are well intentioned and an effort to help. So at teh end of the dasy kit is all about comunicating and listening.

Answer 4

As an adult, I do make mistakes. However, the biggest mistake I ever made was thinking my parents or other adults did not know what they were talking about when I was a teen-ager, or young adult. The longer you live, the more you experience and the more you know about life.
Like I said, I still make mistakes, and I try to be aware of when I'm wrong and admitting that.

Answer 5

Because as an adult, you're responsible for not only your actions but for those of your children. We have life experiences and observations that you've yet to encounter and discover. We know we're right because we've been where you are and understand why you can't accept our hindsight. We think things through and even if we are wrong *in your eyes* we're willing to take RESPONSIBILITY for our decisions. Are you?

I hope that you will be adult-like minded and intelligent enough to understand this reply.

Answer 6

Adults are not 'always right,' just as the 'kids are not always right - not always wrong' either.

As to Why the can't admit they were wrong...!

There are possibly a number of or combinations of answers which might well be 'as many as there are adults who are called on to make many decisions in a day.'

I'm inclined to think that one of the answers is to 'Not show fear in the face of the Enemy' ~ so to speak. And the very act of 'admitting you were wrong' tends to make you appear both fallible and therefore vulnerable ~ in the face of your Enemy.

For Example, the Act of Admission, in 'The Art of Warfare Between Adults and the Teens,' is not considered a wise move. Teens have seemingly more energy and fast recuperative powers than Adults ~ although poorer memories. So all things considered, it would be unwise to hand them additional tools to use against you.

However, although it depends on the circumstances, I do agree that it is on the whole 'better' to admit errors and ~ to do so with good grace.

Sash (who is neither embroiled in such wars nor skirmishes)

Answer 7

Its has something to do with getting you back for all the headaches :-) No just joking.
A large number of people do not like to admit that they have definately made a bull.. of it. It gives the perception of weakness - and that can not be shown to those that are younger than you. There is of course ways to get them to admit it "graciously" so they have a way "out" like "you know you are probably right, but if it doesn't work, can we agree to disagree?" " the technology of today can be real a maze , maybe you were thinking of an era where there was only the printed word ;-)"

Answer 8

Adults think they are always right, cause they in general have more experience than you. Not every adult however has the fortitude of knowledge, No matter how old you are, you still have to respect the morals of life. It's ususally someone that doesn't know fact's, that won't back down. Immaturity is not an age related defect.

Answer 9

I use to think the same thing about my father. Now I am a father and I see my son doing the same things that I did as they where the same thing that my father did. Older people know better because they have been through it before and know what the right thing to do is. I don't know how old you are but I'm sure you are not the first one to do what it is you did. They may be wrong some of the time, but they have to protect you and they must be right or they'll fail.

Answer 10

Let me ask you something. Do you have any younger brothers or sisters? You are in some grade...let me just guess and say you're a junior in high school. Your younger brother is just about to start as a freshman. How can he possibly know what to expect? But there are MILLIONS of things you've experienced getting from freshman to junior that you can't POSSIBLY tell him about.
With adults, those millions of things become BILLIONS, if not TRILLIONS. But out of respect, adults will not tell you 99.999% of the stuff they "learned" because first, it's micro-managing, it's rude, it's not going to work, etc. But there are a FEW times when they say something.

Give us an example of what happened. Something specific that triggered this question today...