Every person who has ever lived (except Jesus) has suffered from the same flaw – cognitive bias. Cognitive bias is defined as “the systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, whereby inferences about other people and situations may be drawn in an illogical fashion.”
Because we all have cognitive bias, James said, “My brothers, take note of this – everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).
No one completely knows why we do what we do, and we never completely know why others do what they do. So we all need to slow down, back off, and listen up.
I know three things:
- No one’s opinion is 100 percent right.
- No one’s opinion is 100 percent wrong.
- You need to hear the opinions of others.
Don’t be too harsh with others. Never forget your personal flaw – cognitive bias.
Recovery Step: We all view others with personal bias. Let’s call it cognitive bias. It never completely goes away. But we would do well to recognize it.
