Today I observed an interaction between two doctors: one junior, one senior. The senior doctor was teaching about a condition – necrotising fasciitis – and why we use a certain antibiotic to treat it. I was eavesdropping towards the side, taking notes as well.

After the explanation was complete, the junior doctor asked a few more clarifying questions and then ended with a statement:

“Wow, I really thought I knew that. But I like knowing that I’m wrong – it means I’ve discovered something, like there’s one less thing I’m now wrong about. So, thanks.”

I looked up at the junior doctor, amazed at his attitude, and saw that he looked genuinely happy. He found joy in being wrong, even if it meant pain at his prior ignorance. How much could you learn, I thought to myself, if you were continuously questioning your knowledge and found joy in being corrected? How far could that mindset push you?

The senior doctor laughed at this response and clapped his hand on the junior doctor’s shoulder. He seemed relieved and proud that his colleague was able to accept their error so openly. The two shared a brief moment of acknowledgment – one for one’s knowledge, the other for one’s humility. A nurse, noticing my interest, gave me a knowing smile.

“He,” she said, pointing to the junior doctor. “Is one of our best doctors.”