Why Do I Always Feel Right? Understanding Psychological Factors and Intellectual Integrity

Referring to oneself as always right can stem from several complex psychological factors. Understanding these elements is crucial for personal growth and maintaining intellectual integrity.

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive Bias: One of the primary reasons behind the illusion of always being right is confirmation bias. This cognitive bias involves seeking out, interpreting, and recalling information that confirms pre-existing beliefs and ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This selective processing of information can strengthen one's belief in their correctness, even if it is not objectively true.

High Self-Confidence

High Self-Confidence: Individuals with high self-confidence often believe in their opinions and decisions more strongly. They feel justified in their views, reinforcing their sense of being right. However, a lack of self-doubt can sometimes lead to a skewed perception of reality, making it difficult to consider alternative viewpoints.

Experience and Knowledge

Experience and Knowledge: Significant knowledge or experience in a particular area can reinforce the belief of being correct. However, expertise in one domain does not necessarily translate to expertise in all areas. Being too confident in one's knowledge can lead to ignoring relevant information from other fields, thus creating a false sense of infallibility.

Selective Memory

Selective Memory: People often remember instances where they were right more vividly than when they were wrong, which gives the illusion of infallibility. This phenomenon, known as selective memory, can reinforce the belief that one is always right, even when facts suggest otherwise.

Social Reinforcement

Social Reinforcement': Isolating oneself in a social echo chamber, where opinions align with one's own, can further solidify the belief that one is always right. This reinforcement can be strong enough to deflect criticism and alternative viewpoints, leading to a rigid and inflexible stance.