\What if I told you that the most powerful thing you can say today isn’t a brilliant comeback, but four simple words: “I might be wrong”?
I came across a thought by Anthony de Mello recently that really shifted my perspective, and wanted to share it with you. He said:
“If what you seek is Truth, there is one thing you must have above all else… An unremitting readiness to admit you may be wrong.”
In our current world—especially with the way social media algorithms work—we are constantly rewarded for being certain. We’re tucked away in echo chambers that tell us we’re right, 24/7. But De Mello’s point is so refreshing: holding onto “being right” is actually a barrier to finding the truth.
Think about it in our daily work or conversations. When we stop defending our ego, we suddenly have the space to actually learn something new. Intellectual humility isn’t about being insecure; it’s about being curious. It’s the difference between winning an argument and gaining an insight. It’s about keeping our minds as open as possible so the best ideas can actually get in.
3 Ways to Put This Into Practice
- Pause Before You Defend: The next time someone challenges your idea, take a breath and ask yourself, “What if they’re 10% right?”
- Seek Out Different Perspectives: Purposefully read an article or listen to a podcast from a viewpoint you usually disagree with.
- Normalize “I Don’t Know”: Practice saying “I’m not sure yet, I’m still learning about that” in meetings or discussions.
“The wonderful thing about being wrong is the discovery that I can be more than I was.” — Unknown