"... On Aug 21, 1:41 pm, Slip Disc <[email protected]> wrote: ..."
> I didn't assign any notion to why people come here, perhaps we come > here to explore in order to change or reinforce our own ideas. Is that not having one's mind changed by discourse, discussion, argument or dialog with another? > I'll grant that my statement is not an absolute but I've never seen anyone > in here or elsewhere for that matter, change their own or another mind > on account of someone's post. It doesn't look like I've changed yours > does it? I'm not talking about earth-shaking changes. The changes -- and I'll admit to more than a few just from some of the discussions I've had here on ME -- are usually smaller and subtle. They may not even be obvious to others, but let there be no doubt: Exchanges such as these have generated after-thought which in a number of cases resulted in some slight change or adjustment to my position or perspective. Sometimes these changes are not even noticed by ourselves other than in long-term retrospect. > I doesn't matter to me at all whether or not someone changes > because there is always someone else in line to replace them. We > should also remember that some members are persistent agitators as was > and is e space and the myriad of his aliases that followed. The latter is true but even such offensive creatures can lead to changes within oneself if for no other reason than the internal argument such frustration can engender brings small and subtle changes. As regard whether or not someone changes and it's meaning to me, I have to admit to a nice glow of satisfaction when my words lead to a perceived change in someone else. I also take satisfaction in knowing that although I may never see the harvest, I think I plant a lot of seeds. At least some of the feedback I've received over the years tells me so.
