69. How Can You Convince Someone They’re Wrong?

How do we not fall into that little whirlpool of terribleness? I'm Angela Duckworth. I'm Stephen Dubner. And you're listening to no stupid questions. Today on the show, how can you convince someone that they're wrong?

I, for a long time, have hated saying the words, I was wrong. Also, how can you ease the sting of rejection? What is wrong with that mother bleeper? So Angie, I recently read an article in courts by Olivia Goldhill. It was called To Tell Someone They're Wrong, first tell them they're right.

And I thought of you, of course, since you're always right, and I'm usually wrong. This article cited advice from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French philosopher. He wrote, When we wish to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and we must admit that truth to him but reveal to him the side on which it is false. He is satisfied with that, for he sees that he was not mistaken and that he only failed to see all sides.

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