To think we are right completely negates any possibility of being wrong, any possibility of other perspectives, any possibility of other ways to approach or carry out a situation, any possibility for others to have a say in the situation, any possibility for others to be right, and, most importantly, any possibility to learn from the situation and to learn about ourselves (to learn why we think we are right).

I’ve had my share of interactions where my approach to a situation was completely different than another’s and, since my approach was different, it was considered wrong in their eyes. No matter what sort of reasoning or explanation I tried to provide, I was not right. An open perspective from both parties would have helped much more – understanding the other’s approach rather than labeling or denouncing with biased reasoning.

I’ve been on the other side, too, (thinking I’m right) because of my reasoning, beliefs, or interpretations. And that’s where things can get crazy because we all have different reasoning, beliefs, and interpretations. Right and wrong are not facts – they are personal opinions or personal realities based off of our experienced beliefs (it’s a form of conditioning). We can each experience a situation differently; therefore, we can each define right and wrong differently. It’s very possible to be right AND wrong at the same time. For example…

How many faces do you see in the above picture? Take a few minutes…

There are two faces. One facing forward and the other facing to the left (<-). Let’s say this picture represents a difference of opinion between two people: the situation remains consistent (a picture of two faces); one person can only see one face while the other can only see the other face. No matter how much these people may argue I’m right or you’re wrong, it won’t make any difference because they’re not allowing themselves to see, understand, believe, or interpret what the other person sees. Both are right, but they cannot see the big picture (it’s unbiased truth) because they become blinded when they only address the picture on a personal level.

Next time you find yourself providing an opinion: Take time to understand why you think you are right. Take time to understand why you think someone else is wrong. What are your beliefs or interpretations? Why do they exist? What do them stem from? What deeper reasoning/experience do you have to believe in your definition of right and wrong? What makes you you? Can you re-think your thought process to look at a situation more objectively rather than subjectively? Can you admit that no one is right or wrong – that the situation is interpreted differently by two people and just by that realization so many doors can open towards understanding, empathy, and possible agreement?

How we see things truly defines how we interpret or define things – consider this concept for yourself and for others.

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