Why you should talk to people you disagree with about politics

Maybe the better argument wins in the end and you can convert a misguided or misinformed individual! Thus, progress is made! The reward of sweet success!

You may want to learn new, pertinent arguments and/or facts you were not aware of before.

You may discovery you have been in a bubble. Time to prick it!

It is good for social cohesion and harmony! It is a matter of courtesy!

Then, there is the famous quote attributed to Voltaire: “I detest what you write, but I would give my life to make it possible for you to continue to write.” Or a more popular version: "I disapprove, but I will defend your opinion to my death!"

Caveat: I did not read the entire article.

Why you should talk to people you disagree with about politics

Beware Of Misanthropes And Nihilists In Our Midst

Posted: 5/5/2019

I wish, I had more time to flesh out this post.

Now, that I (homo sapiens) have roamed this planet for over 50 years, I come to realize more sharply that many of our controversial debates of our times can be reduced to that a significant number of opponents or advocates of one side of the debate are either misanthropes and/or nihilists.

Combined with the incomprehensible prevalence of superstition and ignorance you can understand and participate in current and past debates much better.

With the waning influence of most world religions (at least in Western countries) and the search for new faith/purpose/meaning or the widespread adoption of pseudo religions (e.g. climate and environmental protection), human discourse can only get worse, before it gets better again.

Perhaps, we ought to learn more from the Jewish people: Despite their tragic history and internal strife over many issues, they seem to be overall optimistic, life affirming people. Just take as an example the famous book by Victor Frankl “Man's Search for Meaning”. And he is by far not the only Jew who tried to convert the Holocaust into a love of life and God is stronger than any evil.