I spend a lot of time on the internet. And as you imagine, I come across a lot of debates. And after a while, you learn about the essential nature of these debates. Especially when you come across a person who has views that are cleary insane. The important thing to note is that ha person has formed those views, held on to them, and presented them. So those are his views. Will reasoning with him, presenting an argument, and telling him "No--that's not the case. This is the case" change his opinions? He didn't have reasonable views to begin with. What'll happen if we try to broaden his mind, present the bigger picture, and show how what he's saying is based on one-sided views, creative interpretations, etc.? Should we be so intent on changing someone's views? "Oh--I can't believe this guy has those views! I need to change them. Let me just show him this. Let me tell him what's what." We're human beings. It's not all about what makese sense to us. There are other factors in play. The guy's mind is made up. It's better to focus on the atitude we should have. And be more understanding. All people are reasonable and unreasonable. And it's not necessarily a bad thing. Life isn't just about forming and holding the correct view.
Actually, I disagree with all of that. You have to argue with people. And you have to believe that you can change their minds. You will change their minds. And if you;re ot changing their minds, it's because you don't believe enough. Start believing. And even if an argument isn't going to convince them, and you know it won't, don;t let that stop you from arguing. Because thats part of being human. Believing that you can convince them.
Actually, I change my mind again. We don't need to argue so much. But it's not the arguing so much as it is our attitude.