"You are right. I was wrong."

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The story goes back to my Math teacher in middle school, let's call her Mrs W. She was a very good teacher but also a true lady, imagine a real life Minerva McGonagall

All my previous teachers got angry when a student pointed out they were wrong somewhere. However, I couldn't resist making a point when Mrs W wrote something obviously wrong on the blackboard.

Her reaction astonished me, though when I think of it now, it tells more about my previous teachers than about her. She looked at the blackboard, thought for a short while, then she said "Indeed, thank you", corrected herself and went on as if nothing ever happened.

It was in such a stark contrast to bouts of other adults when a child truthfully told them they were wrong. Her complete lack of urge to defend her face made her never lose it in the first place.

Somehow it was a tiny, yet very important event in my life.

Yup, I know the feeling. I mean I had more than one of those teachers, but I also had quite a few of those who threw a fit if a student dared to correct them.

It was something more than a story of a good teacher for me.
It was a revelation: 'Oh, this is how you handle being wrong with class!' Maybe the first example I've learned in my life.
My parents take it personally when I disagree with them. The example of Mrs W was like showing me a completely new way, a way that was classy and logical and so unbelievably simple!

I think the ability comes from having a secure sense of self.

Any side of a dispute would benefit from acknowledgment of error, as it's an opportunity to grow, with a shared goal in sight, it's about resolution/progress and not remaining opponents.

The issue I believe, is that many interpret an admission of being wrong as an open door invitation to behave in narcissistic ways towards the person with a secure sense of self.

This response in the past has made me regret admitting that I was wrong, as it left me in a vulnerable position, with those who view the world in terms of gaining power and control.

Failing to admit fault (especially in something impersonal), makes the instructor look not as competent or trustworthy

Receptive

Yeah...if you admit fault at all, some people will take advantage, and pounce on you.

Overall, though, it's better to go the Socratic way----and learn from your mistakes through dialogue (or more than dialogue).

Yep. That was smart.

That’s what you have to do with people sometimes.

You have to be smart with bullies.

You have to let the bullies know, in a polite way, that you are "onto" them.

When I was at school all the teachers I've ever had liked it when a child pointed out a mistake. They would say, "so it is, well done". It wasn't unusual for kids to point out mistakes. I didn't because I didn't pay enough attention in class to notice.

As a child, I'd take the message wrong.

Instead of encouraging me to reconcile with the mistake and move on...
Pointing out mistakes and making others concede means I'm right.



I had a LOT of 'lessons' I've thoroughly misunderstood over the course of my life. A LOT!..

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Sounds like a cool teacher