We're currently having a discussion about something, and he is basically saying that because of his personality type, not based on his own merits, that he is able to understand everything, while other people are not able to understand anything outside of their own area of understanding. I'm trying to argue my points, but he writes them off as a limited perspective of understanding, despite the fact that I am trying to tell him why his way of thinking is somewhat flawed, or at the very least not ideal because it limits his potential to understand, because he assumes he already understands.
Never mix friends with: Politics, Religion, Philosophy, the Past and Science.... if it's going to lead to hate.
Same. I'm just saying you shouldn't hate your friend when you have those discussions. It's not worth ruining friendship over a disagreement.
Tell him that no one can understand everything, you can try but you will fail. I try my best to understand and empathise with the people around me but sometimes I just don't know. If he thinks he does understand then that may be seen as an insult to some people. But at least you are having a meaningful discussion, I enjoy those.
There's a thread about it in the discussion section that I just postedn[DOUBLEPOST=1350830411][/DOUBLEPOST] We talk about stuff like this quite frequently. We agree on some things and disagree on some things, but because we've known each other for so long, no permanent damage comes out of the discussions.
If someone is unable to change their perspective is therefore stuck for learning new things. If your friend already thinks we can learn everything, and nothing you say will change his mind the discussion becomes pointless, I would argue only that certanty is a enemy of kowlodge, if the is certain he can learn everything whereas other people don't we is stuck with his view for ever and ever, may it be right or not.. the only way to know things (that I am aware of) is always to doubt your certaintys and look always new perspectives! I am a Biologist and I always learn new things, and this is true for everyone.. Komodo's dragons are know by over a century only in the few 7 years we found out that they do parthenogeneis, and that their bites are not only filled with bacteria , but poison also! The pea leech that we know for such long time is now discovered to do Photosysnthesis a thing we judge extremelly difficult (and sometimes impossible) for animais, and yet it does, and is not the only animal that does it. However I do agree that some people are more prompt to learn new things than other, It's only a matter of how sure they are about how the universe works, and how much they cult ignorance also.
Ha, that's one way to look at it! Atleast you're not reminded of of the Tolstoy novel which I have yet to read.
