The Human Need to be Right

I've been studying this subject in myself and in others for some time now and I find it to be quite a topic that could be discussed to no end.
 
The human need to be right often causes resentment and tension, which creates and maintains damage to relationships. It is also a basis for miscommunication, arguments, fistfights and wars. We all do it, some of us know we are doing it but often it goes by seemingly unnoticed. Politics, Religion and Relationships are some of the more obvious areas that are affected, if you are looking for examples.

​Why do we do it, does it stem from the moral high ground of right vs. wrong, good vs. bad, or is it just a case of doing it because it makes us feel better about ourselves and allows us to justify what we believe in even if it is unfounded. Why is doing it my way so important if doing it your way issues the same result?
 
When we get our point across, shout the other person down or make someone else feel bad about what they think and their opinion, what does it bring?  A temporary high of feeling better about ourselves, until we don’t anymore or until the next time we unearth our need to be right. What if you were to let go of the need to be right for a day and use the energy saved for something else?
 
The next time you are mindlessly or mindfully pursuing your need to be right how about pausing for a moment perhaps in mid flow, to ask yourself, what if I win this need to be right? Where will it take me? What will it bring to this conversation or situation that I am in? What prize will I achieve? Will I feel better about myself after I have concluded emphasising how right I am? What will happen if I just choose not to be right on this occasion?
 
I’m going to try it, I’m curious what it will bring.