No. of Recommendations: 33
Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there's absolutely no point.
Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you.
There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side.
Maturity isn’t about who wins an argument—it’s about knowing when an argument isn’t worth having. It’s realizing that your peace is more valuable than proving a point to someone who has already decided they won’t change their mind. Not every battle needs to be fought. Not every person deserves your explanation.
Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is walk away—not because you have nothing to say, but because you recognize that some people aren’t ready to listen. And that’s not your burden to carry.
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I always liked her.
No. of Recommendations: 6
Good stuff from Helen Mirren.
Reading Albaby's patient, civil, responses to Limbaugh/Fox/tea party/trump cultists, it dawned on me that the echo chamber is real. They are not able to accept fact based positions that are contrary to what they wish were the truth. After participating in a discussion they dismiss the facts they could not refute and revert to the Fox talking points for the next discussion.
To that end, there are probably a few
'litmus test' questions one could ask to determine if a person is "even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective".... whether or not a person is able "to see beyond their own beliefs."
One such question might be:
"Did Donald Trump lose a free and fair election in 2020?"
some other litmus questions?
No. of Recommendations: 9
some other litmus questions?
Was January 6th “legitimate political discourse” or a “failed insurrection”?
No. of Recommendations: 0
Was January 6th “legitimate political discourse” or a “failed insurrection”?
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Here's to you Keyboard Warrior.
Great litmus test.
If I was a Democratic strategist, my candidate and party would ask:
"To the millions of people in Florida, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin who are on the Affordable Care Act. Should your subsidy go away, AND should you the Insurance company be allowed to cancel you because you are sick"?
See if you can decide which is winning.
Look around and decide - is winning important.
I'm fine either way you go :)
