why is it hard for us to admit that/when we are wrong?

Question

why? i don't need this whole big explaination, but if anyone can throw me some psychology stuff while they are at it- that would be awesomeeeeee.. thanks!!

Answer 1

From a cognitive psychology standpoint, it is very difficult to admit that we are wrong, because of what we say to ourslelves about being wrong, and our concerns about what others will think about us.

If we admit that we are wrong, our internal dialog may consist of any or several of the following:
1. Others must think I am an idiot.
2. I must be an idiot.
3. I am horribly embarrased. I won't be able to show my face around here again.
4. Others will lose respect for me.
5. Others will think I don't know what I am talking about, and won't listen to me.

No one wants to lose the respect of their peers, or lose respect for themselves. It would be a great blow to their pride and their ego. And at a subconscious level they believe that all this will happen if they admit that they are wrong.

More mature and open-minded people don't worry quite so much about these possibilities. They recognize that we are all fallible and human. Everyone is wrong sometimes. And it is the self-confident person with healthy self-esteem who can admit to being wrong without suffering an ego blow. It is a actually a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit our mistakes. And accepting and admitting our mistakes enables us to consider new facts and ideas, a prerequisite to becoming a wiser person. It is also necessary in our relationships. Otherwise, we are unable to compromise or respect the views of others.

Answer 2

Pride. The lower the self esteem, the higher the pride level. Pride comes before the fall.

Answer 3

Simple: We don't want to be wrong. We want what our mind is telling us is right to be right. Call it human nature.

I do admit when I am wrong, but it is not always easy for me to do so. I'm wrong a whole lot of the time, about a vast variety of things.