While this is a distinction that deserves to be made more, I don't think it's a valid criticism of the article in question. Here's the explanation given after the phrase "focusing on being right above all else": [...] You must be reading that paragraph very differently to me. The point he's making isn't about wanting to appear right at all. It's about the impression that some people give that being right is enough, and that diplomacy and the ability to present ones (correct) ideas are unimportant skills. There is nothing in that paragraph about how smart people behave on those occasions when they are not right.

Your spouse insists X. You remember !X. What is the rational course of action? (Hint: it does not involve scope neglect.)