I keep realizing, and then forgetting, and then realizing again, and then forgetting again, that...

[Binkie The Clown]

...talking to people who fundamentally disagree with you is not only a waste of time, but only leads to frustration and, sometimes, the RE-realization that talking to people who fundamentally disagree with you is not only a waste of time, but leads only to frustration and, sometimes, the RE-realization that ... etc., ad infinitum

When will I ever learn that it's really not my job to "fix" people who don't share my views on a particular subject?

[JCanete]

1. maybe you should be talking to them to better understand your own perspective and theirs. nt

[Binkie The Clown]

5. I'd love to, but when they only know how to say "I'm right, you're wrong" there's no point. n/t

[Phoenix61]

2. It's like trying to teach a pig to sing

It's a waste of your time and annoys the pig.

[syringis]

4. But...

...chances to finally get the pig singing are real.

Chances to change a stubborn mind tends to minus infinite

[marylandblue]

3. If your goal is to convince them, then yes you will be frustrated

But if your goal is to exchange ideas and learn about each other, then you can have a fruitful conversation.

As a side effect you may give them a new perspective that could, down the road, change their opinion, but you can't control that.

[Binkie The Clown]

6. I've had my mind changed by many thoughtful discussions.

What I'm talking about here is where the other party doesn't want to hear anything that challenges their point of view, so they don't "discuss", they go into attack mode.

[marylandblue]

7. Then I usually just listen and ask a lot of questions

Occasionally I slip in a leading question and see where it goes. Or I'll find a point of agreement, and say "but, have you thought about it this other way?"

[Binkie The Clown]

8. In person, yes, that's a good approach. In a forum, not so much.

There are usually too many like-minded people ganging up on you, and none of them wants to break ranks with their compatriots by actually exchanging thoughts and ideas.

[marylandblue]

9. Almost impossible on the internet

Something about the internet brings out the worst in people. I have one friend I can discuss politics in person with, but not on the internet.