Two Wrongs, One Right

You know the expression “Two wrongs don’t make a right?” It isn’t true. But here’s the bad news: it’s not the way you think.

The intent of the phrase is a caution against revenge. You can’t right a wrong by perpetuating another wrong. That, for the most part, is true. Revenge mostly just hurts you. But a second wrong can definitely make a right… for the other person.

You have to be careful about this in your life! Sometimes you’re on the right side of some sort of conflict, and think “This is great, I’m going to get what I deserve.” You might! But if you react badly enough, you can swing the scale the other way.

Here’s an example: Imagine you’re driving your car, and another driver runs a red light and collides with your car. They aren’t going super fast, but both cars are damaged (thankfully, neither of you are hurt). You’re in the right! It’s the other driver who is at fault, and it’s their insurance that will have to pay to repair the damage to your car. It’s not as good as not being in an accident at all, but hey.

But now let’s imagine you have a temper – a bad one. After the collision, you get out of your car, stomp over to theirs, and begin screaming at them. At first it’s just heated, but moves quickly into downright hateful stuff. You pick up a rock and start smashing in their car further. Then you even strike them physically in a rage.

Guess what? Your second wrong just made them very right. By the time the police get to the scene, they aren’t going to be filling out a favorable insurance report. They’re going to be arresting you.

That’s an extreme example, but it’s an illustrative one. When you’re right – don’t blow it. Acting wrong can hand the win to the person who was wrong to begin with, and should have stayed that way. Win graciously, especially before you’ve cashed the check. Don’t push your luck, and don’t gloat. If you know you’re right, stay that way.