# Dealing with Factually Challenged Individuals By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-06-07 Some people speak with authority on nearly all things but are always factually wrong to some degree. When one first meets such a person, their confidence and tone may trick one into believing they know what they are talking about. But, upon further examination, one sees that speaking with authority was only an act and not earned based on some experience, merit, or expertise. These people annoy me greatly because there is no recourse to correcting them that will change anything. These individuals have adopted a way of being that puts themselves at the center of attending and knowing all. We should feel honored to be in their presence. They have no openness to considering that they might be wrong because that destroys their worldview. If one happens to highlight their error, they'll respond in a few predictable ways. They'll likely argue and arrive at a point of agreeing to disagree. Alternatively, they'll change the subject or walk away—neither will result in a self-reflective change. Additionally, societal etiquette dictates that calling out a person's error during a public conversation is likely inappropriate or rude. This is precisely when such individuals are at their height of intolerability. So, one is left to look inward or risk expending valuable social capital on an individual who will never learn or change. Upon looking inward, one has several pragmatic options. First, one could do their best to avoid such situations and people. Second, one could make it a game and log all the inaccuracies and offenses. Third, one could start a blog or journal to provide an outlet to release the pressure of stupidity in the world. #### Related Items [[People]] [[Arrogance]] [[Stupid]] [[Facts]] [[Truth]] [[Society]] [[Writing]]