Speaking from experience and research, ignoring mistakes is often driven more by ego than by faith. Take a simple example. Someone sees an attractive advertisement for a restaurant and invites guests for dinner. However, the food is nowhere near as good as it was portrayed. Instead of accepting the guests’ disappointment, the host quickly says, “What authentic and tasty food! Great ambience and excellent value for money. We must come again!” The guests are left stunned and simply smile politely, even though they disagree.
In this situation, the ego protects the person’s self-image and hides the fear of being wrong. While this may help them avoid embarrassment, it quietly weakens their credibility in the eyes of others. When people refuse to admit mistakes or failures, they often use their beliefs to defend their ego. Any correction then feels like a personal attack on their self-worth. It is unwise to believe that admitting a mistake reduces one’s competence. In reality, accepting mistakes shows honesty, maturity and builds trust.
At times, faith and ego become so closely linked that any challenge to one’s beliefs feels like a personal attack. When a person’s entire view of themselves depends on always being right, admitting a mistake threatens their confidence, reputation and emotional comfort. If they are encouraged to take a balanced view instead of reacting defensively, they may eventually realise that accepting criticism is fair and beneficial. However, trying to reason with an unchecked ego often leads to negative outcomes.
To conclude, remember: Never mistake arrogance for intellect. There is a very thin line between confidence and arrogance. Arrogance may make us feel superior for a while, but in the end, it can destroy our character and our relationships.
Gaston Dias, Sarzora
