Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error by Kathryn Schulz

Kathryn Schulz’s Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error is a riveting read that chronicles one’s journey from being wrong to understanding the power of the margin of error. Schulz dives deep into the realm of psychology, neuroscience, and the science of error to examine just how pervasive wrongness is in our lives—from science to morality, to friendship. Her argument is valid, and remains incredibly engaging throughout the book; Schulz uses strong, thoughtful writing to take readers into the power and possibilities of entertaining the wrongness of our own lives.

Throughout the book, Schulz dives deep into the realms of psychology, neuroscience, and science to provide readers with an understanding of why being wrong is so common in our lives. It is a very collaborative approach throughout the book, which means ideas are bouncing off of one another rather than the author just stating her points and moving on. The idea of expanded consciousness is a popular one throughout the book—how we choose to view a situation as either being completely right or completely wrong. Schulz explores the many perspectives into being wrong and the power that it can hold, as well as its implications for us as individuals, particularly in our moral, psychological, and spiritual lives.

Being Wrong is full of insight, especially the elements that involve expanded consciousness. Schulz does an admirable job at teasing out the paradox between infinite possibilities and our own deep-seated biases, and opens up readers’ understanding of the potential of knowing or believing something to be wrong, instead of just accepting it as a simple error or mistake. These reflections highlight how wrongness has shaped our lives, both historically and presently. Schulz examines how wrongness influences everything from our relationships to our language, how we make decisions, and how we shape our beliefs.

Schulz also examines how we can learn to be more open to the possibility of wrongness, and draws on examples of real life failure and the power of changing perspective. The book gives readers the opportunity to actively consider how their own beliefs and experiences lead them into error, while also affording them the chance to explore how they may learn something from being wrong and change the way they approach their lives.

Where Being Wrong truly excels is in its exploration of expansiveness and embracing the potential of wrongness. Schulz argues that knowledge and understanding can happen when we accept being wrong. With this mindset, being wrong does not have to be a negative experience, but offers an opportunity for discovery and growth. The book sheds light on the potential for transformation that can come from viewing uncertainty from a different perspective. As a result, Schulz provides readers with a powerful argument that highlights the margin of error within our lives, and encourages readers to be open to the possibilities that come from the power of being wrong.

Overall, Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error is an incredibly informative and thought-provoking book that delves deep into the science of being wrong. Schulz takes readers on a journey of understanding how wrongness influences our lives and leaves us with an inspiring argument that encourages us to embrace the potential of wrongness. For anyone looking to understand how wrongness informs life, Being Wrong is a must-read.