There is always a basic mindset and agenda underlying what any given person says in an argument, and it's usually fairly clear to those who strongly agree or disagree with him. What is most enlightening is uncovering one's own basic agenda, re-examining it in the light of experience...and seeing if it is (1) positive and (2) useful. If not, time to change the agenda.

This is much more challenging than hurling abuse and derision at the differing agendas of others or calling them "idiots".

But it's not nearly so gratifying to the ego, is it?

- LH