RE: The value of arguing with those you disagree with
July 1, 2010 at 7:05 pm
(This post was last modified: July 1, 2010 at 7:10 pm by Oldandeasilyconfused.)
I do not usually argue with people who disagree with me. In my circle, arguing usually involves casting aspersions on a person's intellect ,education,character and ancestry. It may include the use of violence.
I will discuss a lot of topics for fun,to learn, for mental stimulation,and will ask questions of those who know more about a topic than I. Often I express a dissenting opinion,but will rarely argue the point past two stages.
I do not conflate winning an argument with being right and have no desire or need convince others of my point of view on anything. There are some people with whom I simply will not bother. Collectively, I call those people 'stuffwits'.I've noticed my list getting longer in recent years.
Of course, one can certainly learn about another by discussing things. However, I've found it's more effective to ask open questions and listen if you have the interest and the patience. I rarely have both at the same time.
I seldom change my opnion on the basis of an argument,but may use it for a starting point to learn a different point of view.
I will discuss a lot of topics for fun,to learn, for mental stimulation,and will ask questions of those who know more about a topic than I. Often I express a dissenting opinion,but will rarely argue the point past two stages.
I do not conflate winning an argument with being right and have no desire or need convince others of my point of view on anything. There are some people with whom I simply will not bother. Collectively, I call those people 'stuffwits'.I've noticed my list getting longer in recent years.
Of course, one can certainly learn about another by discussing things. However, I've found it's more effective to ask open questions and listen if you have the interest and the patience. I rarely have both at the same time.
I seldom change my opnion on the basis of an argument,but may use it for a starting point to learn a different point of view.
