A saying I've heard in a few places and variations... "You can't reason someone out of a position they were not reasoned into"
What a person *believes* is not drawn entirely from rationality, but also from emotion. Addressing emotion with reason can be done, but it takes time, the outcomes are unpredictable and where there is resistance, even if you crush every one of their rational arguments you will not change what they feel. But you will cause them distress.... hardly worth the effort.
Of course, if they are bludgeoning others with their beliefs, it may be necessary, but be careful that they and their allies do not perceive you as the bludgeoner...
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Date: 2007-05-06 12:25 am (UTC)What a person *believes* is not drawn entirely from rationality, but also from emotion. Addressing emotion with reason can be done, but it takes time, the outcomes are unpredictable and where there is resistance, even if you crush every one of their rational arguments you will not change what they feel. But you will cause them distress.... hardly worth the effort.
Of course, if they are bludgeoning others with their beliefs, it may be necessary, but be careful that they and their allies do not perceive you as the bludgeoner...
Ah, nevermind me...