Is It Harder to Win an Argument with a Smart Person or a Dumb Person?
In debates or arguments, the outcome often depends on the mindset of those involved rather than their intelligence. Engaging in dialogue with someone who is empathetic and nuanced is far more productive than arguing with someone who is fundamental and set in their ways. Unfortunately, in today's society, too many individuals have become fundamental in their thinking, whether it be religiously, politically, culturally, or scientifically.
Challenging Fundamental Views
Fewer and fewer individuals are open to changing their minds, leading to a loss of valuable discussions and the celebration of differing viewpoints. This shift towards fundamentalism has made it nearly impossible to reason with someone who thinks they already have all the answers. As a result, society is missing out on the value of discussion and the art of presenting ideas winsomely and nuancely.
Winning an Argument: More Than Just Being Right
Many people believe that winning an argument is about being right, but intelligence does not necessarily make one a better debater. On the contrary, those who are willfully ignorant or stupid cannot be convinced, as they assume they are right and are not open to argument or debate. Winning an argument with a willfully ignorant individual might enlighten some bystanders, but ultimately, society's perception of the argument remains unchanged.
Smart People vs Dumb People: An Ongoing Debate
Smart individuals provide something to think about and encourage further research, whereas dumb individuals tend to call names when their assertions are questioned. A smart person is more likely to present a supported argument, while a dumb person is more likely to stick to their opinions without consideration. Smart individuals can often see your perspective and vice versa, whereas arguing with a dumb person can be frustrating, as they are typically not smart enough to understand the stupidity of their own viewpoint.
Empathy and Nuance Matter
No one wins with a truly stupid individual because they are too set in their ways to recognize their own stupidity. From this perspective, a stupid person believes they are clever, incapable of being wrong. This mindset is a form of fundamentalism, and it is highly impractical. The argument comes down to whether the stupidity is so entrenched that it cannot be altered.
Conclusion: In order to effectively engage in a debate, it is essential to adopt a nuanced and empathetic approach. Shifting from fundamental mindsets to open discussions can lead to a better understanding of differing viewpoints and, ultimately, a more informed society.