The importance of intelligent debate

[radagastly]

Joseph Campbell once said:

I don't believe in persuasion, I believe in being "caught!"

The fact is, it's difficult, maybe impossible, to persuade anyone to your side of the fence if they have strong feelings for their own side. On the other hand, if you post your own opinions on Tolkiens work or on P.J.'s work and if you show your own enthusiasm for those opinions by backing them up with facts, quotes etc., you can give yourself a real sense of superiority by ignoring the purely emotional responses to it, remaining above it, and moving on. It's unlikely you will sway anyone's opinion by sinking to their level and insulting them or their thoughts. You may need to respond to something someone said, in order to clarify things or provide more detail as to why you feel the way you do, and that's actually a good idea, but if you find yourself clicking the "Post a reply" button out of an emotional response to something you consider stupid or insulting, it's probably time to move on to another thread, at least for a while. Come back when you've cooled down, or don't come back at all.

And remember, thoughtful enthusiasm is your best defense against being insulted or feeling insulted in the first place.

That's my opinion. Any takers?