TPOI and Triggers

[krinndnz]

What breaks the game?

There are certain things you can say in a conversation that bring matters to a dead halt, force a re-evaluation of everything that's already been said, and generally make people want to walk out on the discussion. It's easy to think of things that shake up discourse like that - but why them?

I said one of those things

Comments

[circuit_four]

They are thinking purely in categories. However intelligent and richly minded they may be in other contexts, currently they are frightened, screeching chimpanzees who merely recognize Not My Tribe. See Mark Twain's old line about the cat on the stovetop. There's really no point in talking to anybody who's going to debate that way. They might as well have said that other classic of patronizing anti-discussion, "Educate yourself!"

[krinndnz]

Hey, glad to hear from you - I particularly wanted your perspective on this. Where do you draw that "really no point in talking to them" line? I'm sure you, they, and I agree that one really can't afford to spend the time it takes to engage with the Differently Be-Axiom'd every time, but how about monthly? How about annually? You, I know, recognize the value in every so often taking on a challenge to one's worldview.

My old line to contribute here is the bit about - "The particular evil of silencing the expression of opinion is that it is robbing the human race, posterity as well as the existing generation - those who dissent as well as hold the opinion. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity to exchange error for truth, if wrong they loose what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth produced by its collision with error."
This isn't a situation about censorship, obviously, but rather about self-censorship and silencing the listening of opinion, if you take my

[circuit_four]

The smartassed answer is "When they've told you they don't care, can't listen, and won't think based on a two-word description of yourself, that's a pretty good time to shake your head and walk away." :) But more seriously, it's a subjective thing. It's a mitzvah to patiently approach these people for sure, and I respect you madly for still being unjaded enough to do it. I draw that "you're not worth it" line very, very broadly and quickly these days, though I Was Once Like You, Young OneTMI'd say when it feels like a chore rather than a spiritual joy, give up on that person, but YMMV. Because then you're gonna start losing your lateral thinking skills, as the frustration builds and the Monkey Training kicks in, and you'll be less effective. But maybe I'm projecting my own failure to engage

[krinndnz]

Thank you very much for this input. The other Buddhist theological concept that I find helpful here is the idea of " idiot compassion."

I should just re-emphasize that I love to get into arguing axioms when there's time and room for it. Usually there is not, which makes other approaches - like walking away - much better ideas.

[circuit_four]

(Of course, OTOH, 5 years ago I would've looked at Terpsichoros's profile and gone "Eww! Libertarian Heinlein Fan!" Maybe he'll come along in time.)