I remember being a kid first stumbling upon yahoo answers, and slap fighting with the creationists and all that. I used to let myself get stressed over it, frustrated that people just don't listen, etc. Then I just kind of gave up, not even sure what happened. Now I find myself in the same position with atheism and materialism. Sometimes no matter how much logic and evidence you shove in someone's face they still simply won't listen. Again I find myself angry and frustrated, and I want to know how to just let it go.
But then, is letting it go right? Sure you can't change the mind of a fundamentalist denying reason and evidence, but does that mean you just accept it? What about onlookers? What about a simple responsibility to challenge fundamentalism?
Any tips or thoughts?
For me, it's a mood thingy. Most of the time, I'll just smile, raise my arm as if checking my non-existent watch and exclaim, "My goodness. Look at the time. Things to do!"
As I get older I fully realize that my time here is limited, especially after the sudden death of my mom. That brought the point home. I remain keenly aware of my own confirmation bias and am continually perplexed by others who are oblivious to the nature of that foible. You cannot out shout a fence post, though you can try. In light of what someone said about learning from others, I'm always looking for that next tidbit that gets me racing off in some new, unexpected, direction. To be fair, I don't learn much from others these days, but they do often serve as springboards while my subconscious nibbles at their comments. Usually, I find myself stripping down their arguments, after the fact, and laying those arguments bare. In this way, it helps me to refine my understanding of the human condition. It's a life long project and very much an art form.
On the forums I'll talk about pretty much anything whereas in real life I'm far more guarded with my time and endeavors. I choose my arguments carefully and don't get into long winded explanations with people who do not understand. If anything, in real life, I have found that rather than being appreciative that you have "opened their eyes" most folks are quite resentful that you felt a need to "school" them.