"Of course great politicians are always liable to be wrong about something, and the more people tell them they are wrong, the more stubbornly they defend their error"

This quote by Ferdinand Mount encapsulates a nuanced observation about the nature of political management and human habits. At its core, it highlights a paradoxical aspect often observed in great political leaders: their propensity to stick stubbornly to errors, specifically when faced with prevalent criticism.

Firstly, it's crucial to recognize that terrific politicians, epitomizing strong management and conviction, often have an undeviating dedication to their suitables and policies. This resoluteness can be a double-edged sword. While it fosters a figured out pursuit of goals, it can also result in a rigidness that blinds them to legitimate critique or alternative point of views. Mount's observation recommends that with increased external dissent, political leaders might end up being even more entrenched in their positions as a defensive mechanism, exposing a mental tendency called the backfire impact. This cognitive predisposition happens when people confronted with evidence challenging their beliefs only reinforce their mistaken beliefs instead of reassessing their position.

Moreover, Mount implies that this stubbornness might be exacerbated by the politician's public personality. Acknowledging a mistake openly can be seen as an indication of weakness or indecisiveness, qualities often frowned upon in political arenas where power, confidence, and infallibility are highly valued. As a result, politicians may crazily abide by their positions to protect their authority and public image.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the adversarial nature of political discourse. In highly polarized environments, admitting fault can be weaponized by opponents, thus disincentivizing leaders from conceding mistakes. Instead, they might double down, representing themselves as steadfast and undaunted figures who will not be swayed by criticism.

Ultimately, Mount's declaration is a reflection on the intricacies of management, highlighting the delicate balance between steadfastness and openness to change. It serves as a reminder that excellent politicians, regardless of their abilities, remain imperfect, and their success is typically measured not simply by the correctness of their policies but by their capability to adjust constructively to criticism and error.