What Might You Be Wrong About?

[StephenHubbard]

You hold many opinions very strongly. Which one of your opinions or beliefs has the largest chance of being wrong?



This question popped into my head last night directed at myself and I realize your answer to the question might be very interesting. I find you to be a very smart, introspective, and diligent thinker which is why I buy your books and follow your advice. But I am curious which of your assertions you feel doubt about.

I ask this question with the utmost respect for you and your methods; my only motivation is curiosity. Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

My beliefs about brain surgery are suspect. Are you asking me which of the opinions I hold -- because I have thought them through and believe my analysis to be correct -- might be wrong? Hell, all of them. I'm not that bright.

[RamenMcTavish]

A man should hold his opinions strongly, whether they're ultimately right or wrong. If he doesn't, he's not entitled to them to begin with. Opinions are subject to change over time given new or better information or change of circumstances.

[StephenHubbard]

Perhaps a better wording:
Which strongly held belief or opinion do you think might eventually be switched if new evidence comes to light?

My personal answer to this question was that I might be wrong about my loyalty to the "As Much Meat as Possible" nutrition plan. I realized that its possible that while my thoughts on nutrition were largely in response to the low-fat/vegetarian notions of 10 years ago, I may have gone too far in the other direction. I don't think I'm wrong in my current thoughts about high-meat diets, but I might be.

So I ask you because I was intrigued when I thought of the question and because you are one of the most outspoken people I am aware of.

I know that I hold some beliefs with less evidence (or less rock-solid evidence) than others. What in your life, training methods or otherwise, can you imagine having your mind changed about?

[dpinsen]

I thought this stuff was more empirical than opinion - what you've observed over decades to work best for most trainees.

[GrimmThing]

Y'know for all I think you are kind of an asshole with how opinionated and self-satisfied you can be, I've seen multiple examples of you rethinking your opinions when presented with compelling evidence. I respect you and your your opinions a lot because of this, even when I believe you are wrong.

[David Lee]

I think I recall him not liking AC/DC. This is the only time I can remember him being wrong. If I'm wrong on that, please disregard.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Perhaps a better wording:
Which strongly held belief or opinion do you think might eventually be switched if new evidence comes to light?

Again: All of them. What kind of fool continues to believe his analysis in the face of evidence to the contrary?

I know that I hold some beliefs with less evidence (or less rock-solid evidence) than others. What in your life, training methods or otherwise, can you imagine having your mind changed about?

I'm with you. Diet stuff is not my expertise, and I'm liable to be wrong. BUT I have always admitted this, and you'll have to admit that nutrition science is as shitty as exercise science. I don't pay much attention to exercise science because there's no point in doing so. Since my experience with nutrition stuff is far less extensive, I'm more dependent on other people's interpretations, and therefore more likely to be wrong when they change their minds about what is right.

[tertius]

My beliefs about brain surgery are suspect. Are you asking me which of the opinions I hold -- because I have thought them through and believe my analysis to be correct -- might be wrong? Hell, all of them. I'm not that bright.

I was confident this would be your response.

It's one of the main reasons I like and respect you, Rip.

I'm sure that means a great deal to you.

[Toniy]

Again: All of them. What kind of fool continues to believe his analysis in the face of evidence to the contrary?

Christians.