Quote of the day by famous psychiatrist Thomas Szasz: ‘A child becomes an adult when he realises that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong'

Growing up is often associated with age, responsibilities and independence. But according to renowned psychiatrist Thomas Szasz, true adulthood begins with something much deeper: accepting that making mistakes is part of being human. His thought-provoking quote reminds us that maturity is not about always being right. Instead, it is about having the confidence to admit when we are wrong, learn from our experiences and continue moving forward without fear of failure.

Thomas Stephen Szasz, the Hungarian-American academic and psychiatrist, once observed that a child becomes an adult when they realise they have the right not only to be right but also to be wrong. The idea continues to resonate because it challenges the common belief that adulthood means having all the answers. His exact words were, "A child becomes an adult when he realises that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong."

What does Thomas Szasz's quote mean?

At its heart, the quote is about emotional maturity and self-acceptance. Many people spend years trying to avoid mistakes, believing that being wrong is a sign of weakness or failure. Szasz offered a different perspective.


Recognising that everyone makes mistakes is an important step toward personal growth. Mature individuals understand that being wrong does not diminish their worth. Instead, it creates opportunities to learn, improve and make wiser decisions in the future. The quote also highlights the importance of humility. Accepting that our opinions can change and our judgments can sometimes be flawed encourages open-mindedness, healthier relationships and continuous learning.

Why the message remains relevant today

In today's world, where social media often rewards perfection and certainty, admitting mistakes can feel uncomfortable. Many people hesitate to acknowledge errors for fear of criticism or embarrassment.

Szasz's insight reminds us that real confidence comes from being comfortable with imperfection. Whether in careers, relationships or personal goals, growth happens when people reflect on setbacks instead of hiding from them.

About Thomas Szasz

Thomas Stephen Szasz was a Hungarian-American academic and psychiatrist who spent much of his career as a professor of psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. He was a distinguished lifetime fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a life member of the American Psychoanalytic Association.


Throughout his career, Szasz became widely known as a social critic of the moral and scientific foundations of psychiatry. He frequently questioned what he viewed as the role of medicine in exercising social control and challenged the growing influence of scientism in modern society.

His life and career

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Szasz was the second son of Jewish parents, Gyula and Lily Szász. In 1938, his family emigrated to the United States, where he pursued higher education at the University of Cincinnati, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics before completing his medical degree.


He fulfilled his residency at Cincinnati General Hospital and later trained as a psychoanalyst at the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis between 1951 and 1956. In 1956, he joined the State University of New York as a professor and was granted tenure in 1962. During his academic career, he also served for 24 months as a practising psychiatrist with the U.S. Naval Reserve.