Why we are wrong when we think we are right | Chaehan So | TEDxMünchen

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Chaehan So tells us why we are wrong, when we think we are right. Find out more via www.tedxmuenchen.de.
Chaehan So is a design thinker and former psychological researcher. He has over 15 years professional experience in the IT business, and currently works as COO of an online media company. Chaehan has always focused on integrating different perspectives into a new holistic view: He studied business and electrical engineering in Germany (TU Berlin), Korea (Korea University), France (ESCP) and US (Stanford). In his work as an agile coach and consultant, he adapted design and development methods to specific customer needs and environments. In his Ph.D. research at the Institute of Psychology at Humboldt University Berlin, he integrated insights from learning and motivation to explain teamwork mechanisms. He then worked several semesters as a university lecturer in general psychology.
Chaehan So currently focuses on substantiating the innovation method of design thinking with psychology and recently released design-thinking-forward.com to start a conversation with interested people.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@thebelen2359]

Whenever I have a moment where I'm 100% sure I'm right, I think to myself sarcastically "Yes, out of the millions of beliefs, opinions and moral codes that there are, have been and will be, I'm sure you are the one person who has the objectivaly right ones." Doesn't always fully work but it does help to remind myself how little we truely know and how much of what we think is determined by our environment and biases.

[@blackknight7523]

Some questions that could help us differentiate between our opinions & the Truth: - Why do I think this is true? - Which evidences support & oppose my view? - Could I be missing evidence that‘d lead to a new conclusion? - Could there be other variables that I haven’t considered?

[@pholarised6911]

Excellent!!!

[@kylerwilliams6228]

Great! 😊

[@lakeshore2698]

Truth is always evolving, And changes when observed from different points of view

[@MRT-co1sd]

There’s no absolute truth, there’s only our perception of it and our perception can change on a whim.

[@keezer4346]

This guy is full of love and reason!

[@RaagaA460]

It is a pleasure to listen to a talk both informative and funny! Thank you! The only bad point: it is really a painful exercise to keep climbing Mount Bias.:)

[@BKLau70]

No one can be always right, but only strive for perfection, to be more right than wrong.

[@jonpadrejuan5357]

my first impression.... this is nice.. jumping on the other side..... maybe it's because he's only on TED stage my clear intention.... I watched because I wanted to learn something good and useful my conclusion.... I didn't just learn something... I LEARNED A LOT OF THINGS! THANKS MAN!!!!

[@vvaloachi7263]

''O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is a sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.'' [Al Qur'an 49 : 12-13]

[@ElsonElizaga1]

Me, too.

[@adambaxendale3654]

It sounds like the best thing you can do to stop this is just understanding how the brain works and why you think what you do. Although its important to remember some bias is useful for self preservation

[@mikitz]

If someone has a strong opinion about something that is contrary to yours, try to avoid making strong comments. It will only fortify the pre-existing opinions, no matter how misguided they may be. This applies to any category.

[@Trezker]

Keep asking them to explain more until either they realize they're wrong or you learn something from them.

[@ElsonElizaga1]

I strongly disagree. :)

[@inlumina_punctro]

This kind of view is one within the mind. The mind always would find something to fight with, otherwise will ”dissapear”. Instead of fighting we can stretch our consciousness beyond physical mind by OBSERVING our thoughts....and with some practice we can understand that the thoughts are not real. That brings me such a relief (when i do it :) ).

[@goldnutter412]

13:37 video Elite

[@shamsiyanoorulquloob281]

Definitely one of my top favourite TED talks!

[@karthikeyanak9460]

Wow! What to say. Perhaps the best TED talk ever.

[@lambchop6278]

Amazing, awesome talk. One of the best Ted Talks I've come across. ....From what I've understood so far, and I mean to watch this a few more times to get it well, it reminds me a bit of Buddhism and also of at least on of the steps in A Course in Miracles.

[@marcdemell2987]

All I can say is a quote from Bruce Lee ; "One must be honest with oneself , this is not easy".

[@ralphsammis7330]

I see bias in myself & others everywhere. To be accepted, fit in, feel “at home”, interactions often over look bias thinking. Perhaps the most difficult task is to remain humble amid the fray.

[@snehilsahu2408]

Absolutely magnificent!

[@junkjunk2493]

"...with me..." now that was funny and humble

[@cadaankaa]

Saving this link. I might using it as a prerequisite for anyone with whom I discuss politics.

[@RosannaMiller]

1. We aren't always wrong when we think we are right. 2. Sometimes, we are right.

[@goldhen]

Are you sure you are right about this?

[@vvaloachi7263]

''O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is a sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.'' [Al Qur'an 49 : 12-13]

[@marcdemell2987]

Yes ,but sometimes when one is right it is not important to point it out .Just saying.Take care.

[@HKHR.FUNDHOUSE]

I am wrong 99% of time. Now I wanna be right . Thanks for this mantra!

[@claudinelogrado]

Awesome!!!

[@Mohammadmaslooh]

Perfect!

[@jessicaclair6503]

I will use this to beat my social anxiety Wish me luck guys XOXO

[@yoooyoyooo]

How's it going?

[@jessicaclair6503]

@@yoooyoyooo I wasn't think about it anymore because I forgot. I still have social anxiety but now Im reading a book which is amazing about SA

[@vvaloachi7263]

''O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is a sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.'' [Al Qur'an 49 : 12-13]

[@jessicaclair6503]

Plot Twist After Credits thanks honey☺️

[@mr.goldfarmer4883]

This is great~

[@cchgn]

Your perceptions are directly related to how in touch with reality you are.

[@1dimoner1]

awesome presenter

[@alifmahmud6824]

Interesting and workable

[@JohnIvess]

"...with me" I blown up from laughing

[@ayshee.2b386]

Hahah.. "With me" The last impression

[@FootHousePodiatry]

Big problem with this argument is that its premise also applies to his thinking that composed that argument - he's subject to making conclusions affected by things he didn't know was influencing him.

[@sjane7229]

This is good. Cute ending punch line!

[@tnfnt]

Amazing

[@gerardlefrancois4746]

Without illusion conflict is impossible.

[@jillyd905]

My understanding of this is that life plays out according to our beliefs - conscious and unconscious. A lot of other things come into this - all the hype about positivity etc. So we could sense something in a person, then think you are just being negative and try to counteract those thoughts. Then the thoughts regarding what the truth really is beyond our own perceptions. So the instinct might be to follow our gut feelings which may be generated in terms of traumatic experiences from the past. That can easily throw one into double mindedness. So what is the answer?

[@noneofyoubusiness4895]

Sounds like someone is playing with a Slinkey in the background

[@adamnasser8707]

Full objectivity is a capacity of sientists but in daily life emotions and reason go hand in hand .

[@Mellwell]

i loved this guy

[@tajehandkeyonlittleton5516]

You rock

[@jairoviloria9330]

Interesting

[@Sammy-yq8ix]

Best dating advice from any Ted talk ever

[@shekharmaheshwari8660]

When you see yourself you are right, then apply opposite rule, and opposite rule is what we think is right is actually opposite of it

[@sel02036]

Gratulation!

[@AlexDrastico380]

I thought this video was full of interesting arguments.

[@jimmyhendrix7111]

But what about the limit of human capacity? Is there one? What if circumstances have caused me to percieve that I have reached my limit?

[@maheshkumarmahanteshhavald2610]

This must be watched by all This is needed to be known by all.

[@Omnimon101]

Naruto def gets bodied by the 6 Kage tho 🤣

[@maheshkumarmahanteshhavald2610]

@@Omnimon101 that is true. But why are you talking about naruto here

[@rcksnxc361]

Plot twist: he was also trapped in the mental harmony puzzle with his theory 👀

[@whatgodforgottotellsurgeon9004]

Super deep... but true.

[@yoooyoyooo]

That's what occured to me too

[@mostaan8065]

😂👍🏻

[@Cybernaut551]

Basically, misjudgment is wrong even when we think we are right.

[@ahmedibraheem4888]

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ (6)

[@donalain69]

hmm.. i wonder how much time needs to pass for hindsight bias to change your memory.. if you give someone a present in a box with :) on the wrapping, would he instantly remember it to have been a :( after opening it and realizing its filled with dog poop?

[@johnrainsman6650]

It’s funny when you’re both right AND wrong. I know from experience. I’m a high-ranking chef at a university’s catering business, and I was told by a student employee that her coworker (let’s call him Tom) had been touching crew members too much. Not _that_ type of touch, of course. Just casual ones, like on arms or shoulders. He was always very outgoing at work. Still, I took him to my colleague’s office for a chat and told him that he shouldn't touch anyone without consent. Just handshakes. I said we needed the workers to be comfortable in a good work environment, that he pretty much shouldn't talk about anything other than work and school. How he shouldn't tell his stories because they may be inappropriate to some degree to the other workers; funny to him but not others. I think he’s about 25, give or take. He seemed pretty quiet and silently awkward and uncomfortable during my speech. Answered a question or two with a nod and headshake. The only question he had for me was if anyone reported his touching; I said, "It doesn't matter," but looking back, I bet it made him feel uncomfortable. That day after work, he went skiing and got into an accident. Broke some bones and had to go to the hospital. Suddenly, I didn’t care about his mistakes and flaws. All l could think about was his condition. I realized I may have gone a little too far too. Yeah, I was right about how he should be more filtered at work, and that the casual touching needed to be restricted for his coworkers’ comfort (and for him to be successful), but I shouldn’t have taken him to the office. I shouldn’t have spoken to him the way I did. I shouldn’t have said to his boss (who was in the room with us too), “is there anything you want to add?” That was rude and condescending of me, now that I think of it. Of course Tom never meant any discomfort or tactless harm. He only meant to joke around and have fun with his coworkers. I should’ve shown my patience and understanding toward that. I should've only given him a very brief and gentle talk in the hall, not a lecture in the office with his boss present. He didn't deserve that. He probably felt like a criminal in an interrogation room. Besides, it's perfectly natural to causally touch or tap people *without* it being creepy; maybe Tom deserved a right like that, within reason and limits so he didn't go over them and discomfort anyone. I guess restricting him to handshakes is a bit unfair. He is a not a creep; he's a friendly fellow. When I see him again, I'm gonna tell him I'm sorry for being a bit too tough on him. That I mishandled the situation and could've done better. I think I'm no better than him. He may have "crossed a line," but only unintentionally; I crossed a line more immortally, I guess.

[@davidkatuin4527]

manually trying to change​ an instictive value is temporary. once you stop it will return . the old value that is. It​ might be more beneficial to understand the three operating systems that govern ourselves.

[@KrittinKalra]

David Katuin What are the names of those three operating systems?

[@davidkatuin4527]

instinctive value system aka your emotions, concious memory, and the physical body.

[@fitnessfeverpt]

Have a look at CBT...

[@davidkatuin4527]

@@fitnessfeverpt CBT , what is it?

[@davidkatuin4527]

@@fitnessfeverpt ok I looked at it and yes that would work for those kinds of things , but not for addictions.

[@MandarinCat]

He is so funny! XD

[@jerryhewes]

It is to say that every opinion is wrong, which is a true statement from a material perception of existence. The real question is are any thoughts indelibly true. Yes, but not using a material perspective. If one uses the correct perspective he will, in the time required to eliminate the material influence, reach accurate and true or unbiased observations. Yes, there is such a thing as Truth but Truth cannot be found from a material perspective telling us that a material perspective is an incorrect perspective and responsible for all our searchings. Being a universally accepted incorrect perspective, materialism is responsible for all our problems because it destroys all rationality.

[@BygoneT]

It sounds like you read up on some philosophy, but didn't really understand what Parmenides was saying. What is a "material" perspective? Is it observation? Is it an empirical claim? Is it opinion? Only you know. The content of a piece of information is completely irrelevant from its source. 2+2 doesn't become 5 when a mathematician declares so. Stars don't become cold if an astronomer swaps the meaning of the term heat. Materialism is the only reliable basis for our lives whether we accept it or not. We aren't spirits, we aren't ideas, we're flesh and blood, that need food, education, socialization, entertainment and pleasure to remain functional. Computers prove that any sort of logic comprehensible to us, can only come from an entity with a body, because that's what makes human experience unique, having a body just like ours. Being materialist has nothing to do with taking responsibility for your searching, people will decide that for themselves. Even now, since you didn't care to explain what you mean by materialism I'm forced to defend the pragmatic version of it I know of.

[@user-si1qo4ou5c]

At least this talk will return Sarah

[@visitor55555]

I do these and have for a long time. I try to explain them and very few people are interested...

[@fewdose6674]

❤️

[@lovv.profile]

if I would have a Nobel prize I would give him right away saved my life. I have a prejudice about people with cognitive bias ill change it and ill forgive them for not stepping out of their comfort zone and feeding their prejudice. I'll not judge them for being stubborn and understand them better now.

[@donalain69]

wish he would have explained how to overcome all biases and not only the selective perception. guess i have to stick to being self critical and just assume im wrong about he didnt do that, even after watching the video again and again and again,... [endless loop] :)

[@arupkr.chattopadhyay3260]

We need continuous self- verification.

[@saionjisan]

Now the most tricky part is finding our biases so we can change them...any advice? Im trying my best to understand my biases... hopefully they are not a lot 😳

[@lambchop6278]

I think you could read a book on Buddhism that goes into this. I think you actually only need to be aware of your biases, period ...and there is nothing else you need to do. It's like some sort of mental trap trying to do anything else, and is also why people can get stuck in ruts of vicious circles etc. ...Like dogs trying to chase our own tails... "Watch your mind lean" and it will right it self. ...It's like being on a kayak, it's pretty delicate to balance out. ...so, I recommend Buddha's ideas. He was a genius in being able to understand this, and nothing less is needed as this stuff is very tricky. ...actually, it's an impossible problem of sorts, and we really are dogs chasing our own tails until we 'get' that it is. ...i think this is also in line with spiritual ideas of surrender, of humbling yourself ...you can't solve your mind with your mind. ...Also, the step of admitting one is an addict in Alcoholics Anonymous, I believe is the same step of surrendering to one's inherent and (otherwise) unsolvable limited perception. From that major step, you then naturally start seeing things differently and acting and feeling differently... Or, to put it another way, you will somewhat easily figure out what do do, what changes to make.

[@BiowareNut]

Go on Facebook and start a debate with someone who you don't agree with. You'll quickly find out what your biases are. Then ask yourself "why do I feel so strongly about this issue?"

[@neuron2912]

Just look for the red flags like when you think you are right or when you think you're so sure of something, then that's the time that you have to step back and reassess you position. Coz maybe you're in a position of bias.

[@MRT-co1sd]

I knew he was over 40 and not from North East Asia from the beginning. But I didn’t know where he was from.

[@jeremylaurence5636]

I still like ideal pictures. I don't believe it is a defect to want an ideal.

[@pargolf3158]

Why is he speaking English and not German in Munich to a German audience?

[@adamjayau6771]

If you have responded to this saying... that's not me! I am OK to sometimes be wrong! Disagree! Ask yourself, why have you made this about you? Why did you feel personally challenged and feel the need to justify yourself? What is the mental picture you're trying to make fit? It's totally cool to disagree and put forward your preferred alternatives by the way but if you feel yourself getting worked up, there's probably more going on...

[@yoooyoyooo]

If anyone achieves this full objectivity please contact me I have a few questions.

[@lambchop6278]

yoooyoyooo: Have you heard from Jesus yet?

[@earthman4222]

We are all blind to our own blind spots, me and you. I always want to be right. That is why I always try to examine myself for flaws, I am always open to new information. You seem to be saying I shouldn't strive to be right. You assume that if I want to be right, then I must be rejecting new information if it does not agree with what I "know"... confirmation bias. You are blind to your own blind spots. You are fundamentally wrong.

[@vvaloachi7263]

''O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is a sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.'' [Al Qur'an 49 : 12-13]

[@mustafamelihkadioglu8107]

Shouldn’t be “under consciousness “ instead of “unconsciousness “?🤔

[@groww9276]

What if everyone thinks that he is wrong

[@Tor010]

Hope Judges keep all this in mind when sorting out my divorce.. .

[@stebarg]

5:56 He’s holding the funnels the wrong way round. You don’t filter with this method.

[@Pasqualle77]

The funnel is the filter.

[@stebarg]

@@Pasqualle77 the funnel is not a (the) filter.

[@stebarg]

@Plot Twist After Creditsno. He's accumulating, not filtering with this method.

[@stebarg]

Plot Twist After Credits Nonsens. Filters separate.

[@srishtipathak978]

Can anyone explain this in Hindi ?

[@Oxigono_publications]

The mic produces noise on his unshaved cheek

[@donalain69]

so what if he is wrong about what he sais? :)

[@jamesvarnado3932]

All of you have proven his ideas with your filtered biases. Which of your comments are his puzzle pieces?

[@hRsEleven]

DID HE GET THE GIRL?!

[@sailemartini5902]

He didn't. :)

[@erocket4490]

We never do..

[@jolteon43]

No the girl didn't get him

[@yoooyoyooo]

Getting is an illusion

[@maheshkumarmahanteshhavald2610]

I am opposite I think i am wrong even if i am right.

[@muhammadalfatih2640]

But what if the person does not like Gandhi?

[@henkster6067]

Who is slurping their soda??

[@aishawazne]

WHO THE F IS SCRAPING A SCYTHE ON THE FLOOR BY THE SOUND MIC!

[@dariaromanova815]

His cheeks, I suppose

[@gauravroy1197]

After listening to the whole video all come to the conclusion that the great Gandhi was from India

[@Its_revealed_2seekersz]

DarkSide!

[@2Brian]

If you work in law enforcement, first impressions can mean the difference between life and death.

[@a.c.4490]

shoot first ask questions later. murica. lol

[@rayk5598]

The robots aren't even trying to hide themselves now smh

[@streettrialsandstuff]

A shady person walks towards you in a shady area: ah this bias again made me think bad stuff about this gentleman in a hoodie.

[@alexbalaiban2622]

:)

[@vvaloachi7263]

''O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is a sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed We have created you from a single pair of male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is all Knowing and all Acquainted.'' [Al Qur'an 49 : 12-13]

[@blindedbliss]

What are the 50 cognitive biases?

[@blindedbliss]

The mental harmony puzzle. Your puzzle pieces must all be used, if you are to create an accurate picture, rather than a selective picture of reality.

[@blindedbliss]

Fight your first impressions, which you are often unaware of. Find two concrete arguments, based in evidence which contradicts your initial impression. Repeat.

[@crit2074]

More like "Mental Prison Harmony"! haha

[@imluvinyourmum]

He’s so wrong, I thought 40’s from China but only when he asked lol

[@joanwyatt7366]

The married scissors logistically double because cd clearly water during a verdant actor. stingy, voracious open

[@malinkifox2011]

This guy looks like he read an article on how to present and exaggerated everything. He seems awkward and ungenuine in the way he presents. This is too distracting from the subject he is trying to explain. lol

[@jalenduvaidya2541]

TOTALLY USELESS.

[@yoooyoyooo]

Maybe you think like that because of self serving bias?

[@michelehallahan7857]

This is a comment for Tedex in general - not this talk in isolation: why are only 17% of Ted talks by women? Women account for 51.7% of the brains on this planet. Not 17%.

[@briansmith9439]

There could be many possible explanations. (1) How are the Talks developed? Through consumer input? By presentation? By committee? (2) What are the number of possible presentations presented by women versus men? If this number is 1:4 then 17% is an appropriate percentage; if it's 1:1, then further investigation is warranted to see why this ratio is not reflected in the presentation ratio. Things like duplication of topics, number of presentations by one person, &c need be considered. Of course, this same approach would hold true if the ratio was 1:8 which would mean that women are twice as likely to have the presentation produced as a TedTalk when compared to men. Without knowing these variables, it is not possible to make any statement on the reasons why women account for 17%, only that they do account for that percentage. Great question and it would be a great topic for a TedTalk - why don't you propose it?