Not to Be Right, But to Understand

I like the idea of open mindedness. I feel it's important to think about possibilities in the subspace of possibilities. I want to talk about what is open mindedness. Open minded means willing to consider new ideas. 

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change. I truly like this particular quote because if you think about it life will throw a lot of curve balls at us. However, when the reality is that once you have the ability to change for yourself. That's the most intelligent thing. One has to have the ability to change. Now what does change really mean? I mean change in thoughts. Change in belief systems and change in everything that we want change in. I feel it's quite possible to change everything. But the first thing that needs to be changes is thought. Now what else can you think of when you think of change. Change in habits. Change in circumstances can introduce change in vision. Change in clothing. Change in lifestyle. Everything. Your ability to change determines your intelligence. For an example, you might have a phase in life where you might have to change. 

I truly love this idea. Open minded people don't care to be right. They care to understand. There's never a right or wrong answer. Everything is about understanding. I truly find depth in this thought. When you are open minded, you don't really care about whether you are right or not. What truly matters is whether you understand something or not. It can be anything. Literally anything. If you are open minded, you can talk about the moon and ask a question. If you are open minded, you can talk about the Sun and ask a question. You can truly love the moon, the earth. Everything in life becomes education rather than just one thing. So open mindedness is about education and nothing more than that. I love this idea. So be open minded and think about multiple things. Have multiple experiences. Live a whole and a complete life. I feel that's an important part of life. So go ahead and live with an open mind. Accept that you can be wrong at times. Your understanding can be flawed is a way to correct your understanding and improve. 

For them, conversations are not competitions but opportunities. They're not seeking to win arguments, but to expand awareness. They listen not to reply, but to truly hear. Their ego isn't tied to being correct, it's tied to evolving.

They understand that truth is layered, and every person brings a different lens, shaped by their upbringing, beliefs, and experiences. So instead of labeling things as right or wrong, they ask, “What’s making you feel this way?”, “How did you arrive at that perspective?”

This is not weakness. It’s wisdom.
Because when you seek to understand, you grow. You move beyond binary thinking. You begin to see the grey in the black and white. You realize two people can have different truths and still both be valid.

In such a mindset, disagreement is not division. It’s a doorway.
It’s the chance to learn something you didn’t know before. To discover new angles, rethink old assumptions, and maybe even find common ground.

And most importantly, when you approach life this way, people feel seen. Understood. Respected. And in a world full of noise, that kind of presence is rare and powerful.

So the next time you feel the urge to prove you’re right, pause, and ask instead, “What am I missing?”
Because sometimes the goal isn't to be right, it's to be wise.
And wisdom begins with understanding.

Practical Ways : 

1. Start with Curiosity, Not Judgment

Instead of thinking, “That’s wrong,” try:

“Why do they think that way?”
“What experiences led them here?”

Curiosity leads to understanding. Judgment leads to walls.

2. Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Most people listen just enough to jump in with their opinion. Open-minded people pause and think:

“What are they really trying to say?”
“What matters most to them in this?”

Try reflecting back what you heard before sharing your view.

3. Question Your Own Beliefs Regularly

Ask yourself:

• “When did I start believing this?”

• “Do I have evidence, or is this just habit?”

• “What would it take for me to change my mind?”

4. Consume Contrasting Content

Read books, podcasts, or videos from people you don’t agree with. Expose yourself to:

• Different political opinions

• Cultural practices

• Foreign philosophies

This isn’t weakness. It’s intellectual humility.

5. Surround Yourself with Diverse Thinkers

Don’t build an echo chamber. Spend time with people who:

• Challenge your views respectfully

• Come from different backgrounds

• Offer new angles

6. Keep an “I Might Be Wrong” Journal

Each week, write down:

• One assumption you’re questioning

• One belief you heard that challenged you

• What you learned from considering a different view

7. Use This Phrase Often:

“That’s interesting — tell me more.”

It opens doors. It shows respect. And it turns debates into discoveries.