Reply #25: You shouldn't respond - you are arguing with invisible ignorance [View All]

[Selwynn]

It's hard when you know you are right, to know when you shouldn't stoop yourself to someone else's unfair playing field. But this is one of those times when you are arguing against invincible ignorance, and there's really no way to "win."

The more riled up you get, the happier your make the guy. I can absolutely promise you with 100% certainty, that if you can just find a way to let this go and not eat at you, ultimately you WILL feel like the victor, because in doing so you pretty much rob him of all power in the situation, you refuse to fall prey to his obvious baiting, you refuse to give him what he wants. What's more YOU take CONTROL of the issue. Every time you email back to him ask yourself - what am I trying to accomplish? What would be a "win" for me here? Then think honestly about whether or not that's even a real possibility.

For example, you know right now this guy is never - EVER - going to write back and say, "thank you for pointing out how wrong I have been in my thinking all these years. I want you to know you've convinced me to change my ways and turn over a new leaf - I owe it all to you." He is never even going to give a simple "I was wrong." When you take control and look at the situation and realize that nothing good comes out of continuing to engage this guy, you start to take the power back.

My advice: don't even respond. Not a "closure" kind of response, not any attempt to have the last word. Just simply acknowledge with your mind that this person is clearly not worth an inkling of your time, put it behind you, and enjoy the new sense of happiness that comes from feeling in control - you don't let morons dictate the terms of debate to you. If they are closed minded idiots who are not even willing to have a dialog, then they are not worth your breath. And by giving them the time of day, you pretty much get drug down to their level.

Just completely walk away. That's what I would suggest.

Please note: I have a hard time taking my own advice. But I'm getting better, and its very satisfying.