One's own beliefs

[MrScorpio]

A question asked in the spirit of revealing what one would actually want:

A. In any given discussion, would you rather have all of your own beliefs and assertions confirmed without question?

Or...

B. Would you rather have the other party express their own sincere beliefs and assertions to you, regardless of how much or how little they differ from your own?

[BeFree]

1. I like discussions

I like new ideas. That's why I listen to other people.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. "Disagreements are what make horse-races." Mark Twain

Unfortunately, they also make wars.

But, life in an echo chamber would get pretty damned dull.

[TexasObserver]

3. recommend

[HopeHoops]

4. "Jane you ignorant slut. Who DID you sleep with to get this job" - Akroid, SNL, Point-Counterpoint.

Please excuse the language - that's an exact quote. The poll brought that particular scene to mind immediately. As far as I know, he only added the "sleep with" question one time.

[rrneck]

5. Good poll.

How can we be honest with ourselves if we won't allow others to be honest with us?

[proteus_lives]

6. If you can't stand to have your beliefs questioned then your faith is shallow.

[Angry Dragon]

9. I totally agree

[Lyric]

7. Other: It depends on the discussion.

So long as we're both arguing from reality, then yes, I am open to a respectful exchange of ideas. But if one of us is arguing from reality and the other is arguing from "faith", then no, I have no interest in hearing about their "sincere beliefs". I consider arguments that "faith" should have authority over reality to be intrinsically disrespectful to the people who are suffering right here, right now.

[Warpy]

8. Other: it has to be voluntary for both parties

or it becomes proselytizing. There's nothing ruder than haranguing an unwilling person with some belief system s/he does not share, has no interest in, and would never consider giving anything more than lip service to even facing a gun.

However, a voluntary discussion of beliefs can be interesting and enlightening, if not particularly convincing.

[hfojvt]

10. other: I would like people to assert their ridiculous beliefs

so I can squash them like annoying little bugs and everyone can laugh at them as they lie there eviscerated by my rapier wit and relentless barrage of undeniable facts.