Our own OPINION is never wrong

Meaning & Analysis

The proverb states that from an individual's subjective viewpoint, their own beliefs and judgments are always perceived as correct and justified.

Insights

Ego and Self-Deception

The proverb is an ironic commentary on human ego and the psychological defense mechanisms that protect it. It suggests that our sense of self is so tied to our beliefs that we are predisposed to see them as infallible.

Subjectivity of Truth

It highlights the concept of subjective reality, implying that 'truth' is often filtered through a personal lens. What one person holds as an unassailable opinion is simply one perspective among many, yet it feels like an objective fact to them.

Warning Against Dogmatism

As a satirical statement, it warns against the dangers of intellectual stubbornness. Believing one's own opinion is never wrong prevents personal growth, empathy, and the ability to learn from others.

Psychological Insight

This proverb captures the essence of confirmation bias and naive realism—the psychological tendency to believe our perception of the world is the only objective reality. It suggests that our opinions are deeply intertwined with our ego, making it difficult to accept contradictory evidence without feeling personally attacked.

Contemporary Relevance

In an era of social media echo chambers, the proverb gains new meaning. Algorithms often reinforce pre-existing beliefs, creating an environment where one's own opinion is rarely challenged, solidifying the illusion that it is 'never wrong' and contributing to societal polarization.

Intellectual Humility

The proverb functions as a critique of intellectual arrogance. It satirizes the human tendency to close oneself off from learning and dialogue by assuming a position of infallibility, which is the ultimate barrier to wisdom and understanding.

Rhetorical Devices

Irony

The proverb's power lies in its deep irony. It is not meant to be taken as sincere advice but as a satirical observation of a common human failing—the inability to see fault in our own reasoning.

Hyperbole

The use of the absolute adverb 'never' is a form of hyperbole that exaggerates the claim to an absurd degree, effectively highlighting the foolishness of such an uncompromising stance.

Aphorism

The statement is presented as a concise, universal truth. Its aphoristic quality makes it memorable and impactful, causing the reader to reflect on its satirical meaning.

opinionegobiasironysubjectivitypsychology
Analyzed with gemini-2.5-pro on June 29, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

A man's own opinion is never in the wrong.

1658, EDMONDSON, Comes Fac. in Via, p. 184
1732, FUL., no. 3824

Original Scan

Our own OPINION is never wrong - a scanned entry from Tilley's 1950 Dictionary of Proverbs.
Scan courtesy of HathiTrust Digital Library.
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.

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Last updated: January 27, 2026