Feeling Quote by Kathryn Schulz
““By definition, there can't be any particular feeling associated with simply *being* wrong. ndeed, the whole reason it's possible to be wrong is that, while it is happening, you are oblivious to it. (...) You are like the coyote in the Road Runner cartoons, after he has gone off the cliff but before he has looked down. Literatlly in his case, and figuratively in yourse, you are already in trouble when you feel like you're still on solid ground. So I should revise myself: it does feel like something to be wrong. It feels like being right.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Unbearable Lightness of Being Wrong” by Kathryn Schulz, 2016
Being wrong feels like a false sense of certainty; we are unaware of our error until consequences appear, making the experience akin to standing on a cliff edge.
In simple terms: Wrongness feels like false confidence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize uncertainty early.
Themes
certainty
self‑deception
awareness
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- decision making
- personal relationships
- learning environments
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
metacognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you detect when you’re unaware of a mistake?
- What habits help you stay open to correction?
A Different Perspective
Confidence can blind us to error, leading to costly mistakes.
