On Arguments

“I respect you as a person too much to respect your ridiculous beliefs.”

― Johann Hari

I have always tried to keep this in mind when I am arguing about something dear to me to someone who may not see it my way. But it gets a lot more difficult as time goes on. And the problem is because, unlike myself who will cast off my opinions as easily as shedding dandruff, some people define themselves through their opinions. So invariably when disrespecting someones beliefs, you are invariably causing an emotional attack on the person, through no fault of yours.

And so I have figured, that being right is only half the solution. The other half is to learn a skill to get this across without making them feel like idiots. Sadly I am still way off this mark.

I wish the statement "When was the last time you were wrong?" would open a few minds to the absolute incredulity of being right all the time.

P.S. And for all the things beautiful in this world, learn to properly listen and respond, instead of just spewing the things that someone has spewed on you.