Cunningham's Law is
an axiom coined by Steven McGeady. It’s named after Ward Cunningham, the
inventor of wiki software, who initially gave him the advice. It states "the best way to get the
right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong
answer."
That doesn’t just work
on the internet. People that would instantly shut up like an oyster if you
asked something of them will open up if it makes them feel superior. We like to
be right and are quick to let people know when they are wrong.
The problem is that isn’t
the best way to communicate. When you jump on a person for their error they are
just as likely to double down on the mistake than consider the truth. That’s why
the Bible tells us in 2nd Timothy 2:24-25, “The Lord's
bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach,
patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition,
if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,”.
Showing yourself right isn’t going to help another, helping them to learn the
truth might.
Don’t make the
mistake of thinking you are doing good by simply telling a person they are
wrong. Do good by helping lead them to the knowledge that will help them
understand.
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