patrick.net

GNL says

Too many people believe debating/arguing is rude. Sadly, women are the most vocal on this point.

My wife too. She hates any argument and doesn't understand why I enjoy arguing.

I think I enjoy it because it's kind of a game, a verbal jujitsu match.

But also because I learn things from the people I'm arguing with. It really helps to clarify my own opinions.

Patrick says

I learn things from the people I'm arguing with

Then you are not really arguing. Arguing is a clash of egos with no regard for facts or learning. Two people with strong opinions can still have a discussion of facts.

Patrick says

But also because I learn things from the people I'm arguing with. It really helps to clarify my own opinions.

I couldn't agree more. The internet can be a suckhole but, I have become a completely different person through communication over the internet. You simply, imo, cannot have these (there is another site I go to often and the only rule is no nudity. There's no registration to comment either) types of conversations with 99.9% of people in real life.

HeadSet says

Patrick says

I learn things from the people I'm arguing with

Then you are not really arguing. Arguing is a clash of egos with no regard for facts or learning. Two people with strong opinions can still have a discussion of facts.

But most people see that as arguing. A disagreement, to most people, is an argument. It's uncomfortable and they don't want to engage in it. This, imo, is a very big problem. It's why the truth gets bitch slapped every day, all day long. Defending the truth is seen as an argument.

"All ideas are worthy", they say. Everyone's opinion matters, they say. But the truth has very little voice. It seems that way anyway.

GNL says

there is another site I go to often

What site?