Francis Fukuyama's 1989 thesis, commonly known as "The End of History," posited the eventual and ultimate triumph of liberal democracy following the Cold War. Though often criticized for its definitive tone and perceived naivety, Fukuyama’s argument has nonetheless shaped intellectual and political debate for decades. In a recent memoir, he reflects on the legacy of his work, which, despite its flaws, may have had unintended practical benefits by influencing support for institutions such as the European Union and NATO enlargement during an era marked by liberal confidence.

The notion of a "great wrong idea"—an influential but ultimately incorrect concept—has been a topic of renewed interest, as thinkers explore how such ideas can nonetheless propel social and intellectual progress. One example is the Enlightenment idea of the mind as a blank slate, emphasizing nurture over nature. While modern science increasingly acknowledges the role of genetics, the belief in human malleability underpinned developments in public education, child welfare, and legal protections for minors. Critics argue that if genetic determinism had prevailed earlier, social policies supporting children and the welfare state might have evolved differently or more slowly.

Sigmund Freud’s theories provide another compelling case of useful error. Although Freud’s ideas have fallen out of favor among many contemporary psychologists, his influence on the arts and cultural understanding of the inner life remains profound. The introspective literature of the 20th century, including stream-of-consciousness narrative styles, along with movements in abstract art, owe much to Freud’s emphasis on unconscious drives and emotions. Artists like Jackson Pollock acknowledged Freud’s impact, even while selectively drawing on related psychological traditions.

In contrast, figures like Reverend Thomas Malthus have attracted more contentious legacies. Malthus’s concept of a population growth outstripping food supply—a scenario known as the "Malthusian trap"—has been criticized for inspiring extreme views, including eugenics. Yet this idea also influenced foundational scientific theories, such as Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. Modern societies have partly circumvented these limits through technological innovation and increased productivity, a feat not replicated in the animal kingdom.

The scientific method prizes the correction of errors through hypothesis testing, but some argue that certain wrong ideas persist because of their broader social or intellectual utility. Such concepts can function as "noble lies" that promote beneficial behavior or provide mental clarity through their simplicity, even if they are not entirely accurate. This perspective highlights a tension between truth and utility in the progress of knowledge.

For Fukuyama, the personal cost of advancing a "great wrong idea" has included public criticism and misinterpretation, particularly in the post-9/11 context, where he has been labeled a liberal idealist. Yet, rather than bitterness, his recent reflections convey a tempered perspective on the value and consequences of his thesis. Whether the world would have been better without his definitive framing remains debated. Still, his work demonstrates the enduring influence and complexity of ideas, even those later deemed mistaken.