The inability to admit wrong has become one of the most destructive themes in our society. I see it everywhere — in my own life, in the lives of others, in the systems and families breaking around us.

We screw up — intentionally and unintentionally. That’s not where the destruction lies. The destruction roots and grows out of our inability to own it and change.

There are two kinds of self-preservation. One protects our peace. The other protects our pride. The first helps us heal; the second hides our hurt and multiplies it. Somewhere along the way, we started confusing accountability with attack and honesty with humiliation.

We lie, we deflect, we rewrite the story — not because we’re evil, but because we’re scared. Scared to lose our image, scared to face the mirror, scared to admit we were wrong. But the truth is, nothing positive grows in falsehood. You can’t heal what you refuse to face.

Humans mess up. It’s what we do next that matters. The only road to healing — in families, friendships, or leadership — has to be paved with honesty. Pride might protect your ego, but it will always cost you connection, and that’s a price I’m no longer willing to pay.