If you’re human like the rest of us, at some point you probably wondered “am I truly open to knowing if I’m wrong?” The bigger question is: are you dependent on being wrong?
Understanding and Getting Paid
In the 1930’s Upton Sinclair ran for Governor of California. He failed in his bid for governor, but was successful nonetheless. With nearly 100 books to his name and a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, one might argue that he was very successful.
In his book titled I, Candidate for Governor, and How I Got Licked, he presented a simple thought that has been quoted over and over and over again:
It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!
You might have heard this quote before. You’ve probably used it to explain why you can’t get people at work to see the light of doing things differently. You may have quoted it to explain why it’s hard to get politicians to do what’s best for the country. But have you ever thought of it from your own perspective? In other words, are you dependent on being wrong?
Losing it All
If you had to choose between living your life as it is now or following the truth even if it meant a less comfortable life, would you do it? If you had to choose between having the friends and relationships you have and doing the right thing even if it meant losing those connections, would that work for you?
We all like to think that we are right and others are wrong, but how deeply have you really looked at your own motivations? Would you be willing to throw it all away to do what’s right, or do you choose to believe what keeps you comfortable and connected? Are you dependent on being wrong?
It’s a simple question, with a simple answer. Have you asked it of yourself? If not, why not?
Are you dependent on being wrong?
