"Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes"

Human understanding is fundamentally limited; uncertainty and error are inevitable features of how we approach the world. George Soros points out that to be human is to be prone to misunderstanding, incomplete knowledge, and flawed interpretations, these are not failures, but the natural product of our condition. Accepting this truth removes the stigma often associated with being mistaken. It becomes possible to look at errors, not as evidence of incompetence or ignorance, but as expected outcomes in the process of learning and discovery.

If making mistakes is unavoidable, then moral or intellectual shame attaches not to the errors themselves, but to our response to them. The real failing is refusing to acknowledge or address our misconceptions. Growth and wisdom depend not on initial perfection, but on a willingness to adapt, re-evaluate, and make corrections. Courage lies in confronting mistakes openly and using them as opportunities for improvement, rather than concealing them out of pride or insecurity.

This perspective encourages intellectual humility and curiosity. Admitting fallibility fosters a culture where dialogue, experimentation, and self-correction drive progress in science, philosophy, politics, and personal relationships. When individuals and societies accept the imperfection of understanding, they can move beyond defensive dogmatism and become more receptive to new evidence and perspectives. The fear of being wrong diminishes, replaced by the motivation to seek truth through constant learning and revision.

Moreover, this approach cultivates empathy, since it reminds us that everyone grapples with the same limitations. We can be more forgiving of ourselves and others, prioritizing transformation over judgment. By making the correction of mistakes, rather than their mere existence, the criterion for self-worth, Soros emphasizes resilience and adaptability as the most valuable qualities in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, integrity is measured not by always being right, but by the integrity and openness with which we strive to become less wrong over time.