Right became sits at the center of this dementia and brain health question.
In today’s world, it often feels like being right has become more important than simply being close or understanding each other. This shift can be seen in many areas of life—from everyday conversations to politics and even science. But why has this happened?
At its core, the idea of “being right” means having the exact answer or opinion that is considered correct without question. On the other hand, “being close” means coming near to the truth or understanding something well enough to communicate effectively and connect with others.
One reason for this change is how we value certainty in a complex world. With so much information available instantly through technology, people expect clear-cut answers rather than approximations or partial truths. We want facts that are precise and undeniable because they give us confidence and a sense of control.
However, life rarely offers perfect answers. In many fields like science and mathematics, experts use approximations—answers that are close enough to be useful but not exact—to solve problems efficiently. For example, when calculating measurements or predicting outcomes, getting very close is often good enough because absolute precision might be impossible or unnecessary.
Despite this practical approach in technical fields, everyday conversations have become less about finding common ground and more about proving who is right first. Social media amplifies this tendency by rewarding quick judgments and strong opinions over thoughtful dialogue.
This focus on correctness over closeness can create distance between people instead of bringing them together. When winning an argument becomes more important than understanding another’s perspective, relationships suffer.
Ultimately, valuing being right above all else overlooks the power of approximation—not just as a mathematical tool but as a way to navigate uncertainty in life gracefully. Sometimes it’s better to aim for closeness: listening carefully, accepting small errors in judgment, and appreciating different viewpoints rather than insisting on absolute correctness at every turn.
The challenge ahead lies in balancing our desire for certainty with humility—recognizing that sometimes being nearly right while staying connected matters far more than claiming perfect knowledge alone.
For more, see Alzheimer’s Association — caregiving.
