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I'm surprised that you didn't also observe how the need to be "right" is related to people not caring about having true beliefs. That is, the need to be (have been) "right" is a great motivation for people to cling on stubbornly to false notions.

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I always found this an interesting phenomenon. I hate being "wrong" as much as anyone else. But it seems like the best way to not be wrong is being aware of the uncertainties in your understanding, not making claims about topics where you have gaps in your knowledge, and adjusting your understanding based on new information. To have absolute confidence in what you are saying without regard for reality seems like the easiest way to be wrong...

> That is, the need to be (have been) "right" is a great motivation for people to cling on stubbornly to false notions.

yes... i think this boils down to basically the difference of "being right" vs "doing the right thing"

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