• The trouble is that all too many people take a stance without making sure of their ground. If you say "this is so" when what you mean is "I think this is so", you've volunteered for the ridicule of being wrong.

    It's important to state things categorically when you're certain, and just as important to highlight when you're uncertain. That way, people know where they stand. No-one minds you being wrong with best guess, but they do mind being strung along. If they know they can trust you to say when you're sure and when you're not, they'll respect your assurances all the more. And if, as Hakim said in his article, you're happy to publicly admit when you're wrong, they'll respect you still more, since they can trust your assurances are based on considered opinion rather than ego.

    Thought-provoking editorial; thank you.

    Semper in excretia, suus solum profundum variat