New information is an invitation to question old opinions

New information is an invitation to question old opinions.
“New information is an invitation to question old opinions.” – Adam Grant

It’s ok to have an opinion on something even if you’re not an expert in that field. But to keep that opinion (whether it be informed or uninformed) may not be logical once new information comes to light.

You should focus on having the right answer, even if that means you were wrong before. Strive to be right as often as possible, but don’t stick with your original opinion that you know is wrong just so you don’t have to say you were wrong before. Everyone is wrong about many things over the course of their lifetimes. But the ones who are generally viewed as the smartest and most successful are the ones who are able to admit when they’re wrong and to move forward when they are presented with more recent information.

On keeping an open mind

Be aware of confirmation bias in order to minimize it. If you deeply want something to be true, you’re more likely to stretch truths to aid your argument. You’re looking for reasons to be right about something and are more likely to ignore facts that don’t match the narrative you have in your head. Don’t do this. Try to keep an open mind. Try to listen to other’s ideas and truly understand them before taking a stance on the subject. And when you do form your own opinion, don’t cling so tightly to it so that you cannot fathom changing your mind (even when new information presents itself).