Part 3/7:
Admitting fault threatens our deeply-held sense of self. Our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences intertwine to form our worldview, and any challenge to that worldview can feel like a personal attack. The psychological reaction to being told we’re wrong can be as intense as a threat to our physical safety. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals, creating echo chambers that reinforce our existing beliefs.
This protective reflex is universal—it affects everyone, regardless of intelligence or education. The challenge lies in overcoming these biases and comfort zones to embrace a more flexible, inquisitive mindset.