The Freedom in Not Always Being Right: How Questioning Our Opinions Leads to Growth

We all like to think we know exactly where we stand on topics, even if our understanding of a situation is rather superficial. Whether it’s politics, social culture, business, or even something as simple as how we think people should act in certain situations, we tend to quickly form opinions, often deeply rooted about almost everything. These positions become part of our us, our identity and shape how we interact with people and the world. But what if many of those views aren’t as solid as we think? What if our opinions are more like shifting sands than concrete foundations?

Personally I’ve come to realise that one of life’s more enjoyable experiences is discovering that I don’t always have to be right, discovery is an adventure and that many of my long-held beliefs are far more flexible — or even questionable — than I wanted to admit.

In this blog, I want to explore why we form opinions, where they come from, why they more often then not go unchallenged, and how questioning them can open doors to deeper understanding, personal growth, and intellectual freedom.

First, let’s unpack how opinions form in the first place. Most of us don’t sit down one day and say, “Right, let me figure out how I feel about everything.” Instead, opinions are formed over time by our core beliefs which are absorbed, shaped, and reinforced by countless influences, often without us even realising.

From our earliest days, family is the first and most powerful shaper of our worldview. The discussions we have with, and the opinions of parents, siblings, and extended family seep into us — sometimes directly in conversations, sometimes indirectly in situations and how things are done. Over time, these formative experiences set a default lens through which we see the world, who are good guys, who are not, what is fair and what is not, what is acceptable and whats not.

Our friends, colleagues, and communities play a huge role. As human beings we naturally want, and need to belong — it’s a basic human need. And so we often mirror the opinions and positions of those around us, often without due scrutiny. It generally feels safer and more comfortable to agree than to push back, especially when everyone in the room seems to see things the same way.

Our education systems, religious organizations, and broader cultural institutions provide us with frameworks for understanding the world. Whether it’s the values taught at school or the messages embedded in our cultural traditions, these systems give us narratives about what’s “right,” “true,” and “normal.”

4. Media and Information Sources

Whether actively (through news, books, podcasts) or passively (social media, entertainment), the information we consume shapes what we believe. And thanks to algorithms, we’re often shown more of what we already agree with — reinforcing our biases, creating echo chambers, and giving us the false impression that “everyone thinks this way.”

The Problem: Mistaking Opinion for Absolute Truth

Here’s where it gets tricky. Once we’ve formed an opinion — for whatever reason — we tend to cling to it. Why? Because it becomes part of our identity, our “story” of who we are.

But these opinions aren’t always built on facts or deep understanding. They’re often assumptions, biases, and inherited viewpoints. Yet, we defend them as though they are unshakable truths.

Consider how uncomfortable it feels when someone challenges a deeply held belief. It can feel like a personal attack, even if it’s just a disagreement. This reaction — emotional, defensive — shows how attached we are to being right, even when we haven’t really examined the belief in question.

The Power of Scrutiny: Why Challenging Our Opinions is Liberating

Here’s the good news: challenging our own opinions is one of the most freeing things we can do. Why? Because it releases us from the burden of always needing to be “right.” It allows us to approach the world with curiosity rather than defensiveness.

Scrutiny Brings Us Closer to Truth

When we examine where our opinions come from — and whether they hold up under scrutiny — we often find that they’re incomplete, simplistic, or just plain wrong. And that’s okay! Because the goal isn’t to always be right. The goal is to get closer to the truth.

Imagine a scientist who refuses to accept any data that contradicts their theory. They’d never discover anything new! Similarly, if we refuse to examine our beliefs, we stop growing.

Scrutiny Makes Us More Compassionate

When we realise how many of our views are shaped by chance — where we were born, who raised us, what media we consume — we become more understanding of other people’s views. Instead of dismissing someone as “wrong” or “ignorant,” we can appreciate that they’ve been shaped by a different set of influences. This empathy makes conversations richer and more productive.

Scrutiny Frees Us from Dogma

Some of the most toxic divisions in society come from people clinging to beliefs out of fear of being wrong or seen as weak. But what if it’s okay to say, “I used to think that, but I’ve changed my mind”? That kind of intellectual humility is powerful — it disarms conflict and builds bridges.

Personal Reflections: My Journey with Questioning Beliefs

I used to think that my opinions were well thought-out and justified. But when I started digging deeper, I realized many were built on assumptions I never questioned.

For instance, I once held strong views on how businesses should operate, shaped largely by the people and environments I was exposed to. But when I began interacting with people in different industries and cultures, I saw how narrow my thinking had been. What I had treated as “universal truths” were often just one way of seeing things — and not always the best way.

This realization was both unsettling and liberating. Unsettling because it meant I wasn’t as “right” as I thought. Liberating because it gave me permission to be curious, to learn, and to grow.

Practical Ways to Examine and Challenge Our Opinions

So how do we actually start this process? Here are a few practical steps that have helped me:

Ask Yourself, “Where Did This Opinion Come From?”

Before defending a position, pause and reflect: Did I consciously form this opinion, or did I absorb it from others? What evidence do I have to support it? This simple question often reveals gaps in our thinking.

Seek Out Opposing Views

Actively look for perspectives that challenge your current beliefs. Read articles or books from different viewpoints, listen to podcasts you normally wouldn’t, talk to people with different life experiences. Discomfort is a sign of growth.

Hold Opinions Lightly

Instead of treating your views as final, treat them as working theories. Be open to updating them as new information comes in. Say things like, “Based on what I know right now, I think… but I’m open to learning more.”

Focus on Curiosity Over Certainty

When someone challenges your view, don’t go into debate mode. Instead, get curious. Ask, “What makes you see it that way?” You’ll often find new insights, even if you don’t end up agreeing.

Be Okay with Not Knowing

It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure,” or “I don’t know enough to have an opinion on that yet.” This honesty is a strength, not a weakness.

The Joy of Being Less Certain

Here’s what I’ve learned through this journey: Being less certain actually makes life richer. When you don’t have to defend every opinion like a fortress, you can engage with the world more openly, more playfully. You become less judgmental of others, more forgiving of yourself, and more excited to learn.

And paradoxically, the less you cling to being right, the closer you get to real wisdom — because you’re finally open to seeing things as they are, not just as you wish them to be.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Gray Areas of Life

In a world that pushes us to pick sides, to “have a take,” and to defend our turf, embracing uncertainty is a radical act. But it’s one that leads to freedom — freedom from dogma, from judgment, from fear of being wrong.

So next time you feel that rush to defend an opinion, pause and ask: “What if I’m not right? What if there’s more to this story?”

You might just find, as I have, that letting go of certainty opens up a much bigger and more beautiful world.