I Am Right?
61I have noticed a very strange thing in myself that makes me question my whole self-image, really. I was contemplating how other people seem to think about me, when I realized one huge, huge difference between my self-image and my family and friend's idea of me: I always think I'm right. Why is it that any time there is a difference my natural inclination is to assume that I am right and they are wrong? Even though I attempt to be (or at least look) humble and open about the very distinct possibility (and often probability) of my ignorance or error, deep down inside I generally think I'm right and you are wrong.
And then sometimes - not often, mind you, but sometimes - I have the brief, but enlightening epiphany that, you know what, maybe we're all wrong (or at least not completely right). Maybe it's not about who is right, but what is right in all of us. But that is so hard to remember in day to day living. It makes a nice little philosophy, but it's hard to get it to transcend theory and transform my life.
But the hardest thing of all is to be willing to accept that you are right and I am wrong. What is it that's keeping me from this constant, real willingness? Sometimes it's pride, sometimes it's fear, and sometimes it's just that I don't like what they're saying and I don't want it to be true. Rather silly to reject truth because I don't like it, but I still do sometimes, I'm sure. How do I stop this? How do I remain open to truth, no matter what it is or where it comes from?
Well, if the thing keeping me from this openness is my desperate desire for my ideals to be true, perhaps I just need to find something else to cling to - or someone else. Perhaps my beliefs and ideals are becoming my idols and I am so attached to them that I cannot sacrifice them for truth. Perhaps it's time to reevaluate my priorities (again). What - or Who - is my center?
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Yes I too think like this sometimes. I have found that since becoming a Christian that the bible became the guide book for my life. I started reading the bible with so much curiosity that I would spend hours and hours reading and listening to it. After just a short time of being a believer I was quoting scriptures to Christians much older than I. Ever since I have thought I was wise and from all the Lord had brought me through had understanding. Indeed I was right every time an answer was from God's word, but every time it was not; it was only my opinion. Truly though I know nothing, it is only God who is all knowing, and what I do know is the small about of His knowledge.
Thanks for the comments, y'all!
Tyrel, I definitely understand that! For a long time I just blindly accepted what other people said about how the Bible was to be interpreted. When I finally realized that what they said was not all truth, I started to find my own interpretations; but now I walk the dangerous line of trying to think for myself (not letting others think for me) on the one hand, but also being open to other perspectives knowing that mine is not the only one, nor the only true one (rather than imposing my beliefs as truth upon everyone else like the Christians of my childhood). It's great that you are aware of this great struggle! That is a huge step that it took me forever to reach!
You are on to something here, Dear Patience :o) Keep doing what you are doing, the answers you seek are within... You know when you find them :o) And as experience and time passes, you will know the truth more clearly, and much stronger, so much so that your life will be a *living* of the truth.
Hi PV,
Have you heard of Ramana Maharshi and his famous philosophical question "Who am I?"
Do a Google search and find for yourself!
CVR
Introspective! I like this hub. I get like this sometimes, but I have, on occasion accepted that I may have erred. Rare occasion, that. Anyway, a big thumbs up from me to this hub!
Your questions are getting better! I agree with RainbowRecognizer that you are on to something here. Very good work here. Thumbs up.
Thanks Rainbow; I try to believe that as God is in me and I in Him, so I can find Him in me and find myself in Him! And I guess in that finding is the finding of how to truly live.
Rajan; thanks for the tip, I'll have to check it out when I get the chance!
Maylinda and Dottie, thanks! Everyone is so sweet, so kind, so supportive, it's just incredible to me! Thank you all so much!!
Our ego always wants us to be right. But when we engage in trying to satisfy the ego, we are playing a game we cannot win. The more we are right, the more we become attached to the desire to always be right. The greater our attachment to being right, the more we are adverse to change. But change is the only constant in life. Everything is always changing. The world is constantly changing. Nothing is ever totally fixed.
To achieve any degree of happiness, we must overcome our ego. We must give up our constant desire for possessions - our desire to be right - our attachment to things. This concept is contrary to western thought. But as you study it more, you will begin to see the wisdom of letting go of our ego.
I listen to others and can change my opinion in different matters.Though its always hard for me to change my opinion.You discussed a good topic.thanks
True, John, good stuff!
top stuff: it's always great when we have reached the point of being able and willing to change our opinions when confronted with truth. It's sad how many of us build our idea of reality based upon un-truth. But that is what makes the idea of dealing with opposing views so difficult: if we have built our reality around lies we become so attached to our reality that we don't want to let go. Keep up the good work, topstuff!
It's the age old battle between the spirit and the flesh...
Yeah, I guess it really is. Thanks Christine!
One of my favorite quotes is: "I've learned enough to know that I don't really know anything."
A friend of mine jokes by saying "I thought I was wrong, once, but then found out I wasn't."
You know, I went thru a time of searching for what anchored me. Then, after years of teetering, I realized that I anchor me. My choices, beliefs, my "center" kept shifting as I grew. It's not wrong to believe one way, and then another some time later. We grow, we change...believing deeper in some things and not as much in others.
It's ok to be different, as time passes. TV gives FliP Flopping a Bad name.
=) be true to you, hang on to yourself, the center shifts.
Lol, that's a great quote Walker!
I like to change a lot, Marisue, but I also like to have a center; however, being centered on most things creates more problems than solutions. Being centered on a relationship with God is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and I just have to keep reminding myself to center on God not my beliefs or my desire to be "right."
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Sciantel says:
2 months ago
I get like that too. I'm sure we are not always right all the time but we can be stubborn! I call it self pride. Thinking I know it all, but I know so little actually. Don't we all!