I disagree with the premise of this thread. I don't argue about things in an effort to prove myself right. I think lots of other people also don't argue for that reason. Most of the time when am arguing on Mudcat it is to confront bigotry. Gay threads and atheist threads in particular are always started by or inhabited by bigoted individuals, and I don't think they should be allowed to speak without being pushed back.

The other big reason to argue is when people propose laws that are not consistent with an evidence-based reality and that have a major impact on my life. Gun laws, economic policy, and the idea that all politicians are the same are the big winners there.