I think it's similar to short term reward vs delayed gratification (see the marshmallow experiment[0]). By refusing to admit you've ever made mistakes, you can

I think it's similar to short term reward vs delayed gratification (see the marshmallow experiment[0]). By refusing to admit you've ever made mistakes, you can protect your ego in the short term. However, you're also alienating people and preventing learning from taking place. That has a long-term cost in terms of missed or lost opportunities. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_marshmallow_experimen...