Have you ever been adversely affected by ideologues, people who adhere slavishly to contrary ideas?

My opinion of Richard and Harry Dreyfuss has been elevated. Regardless of what they actually believe, I respect their process of discovery. And I share Harry's disdain for the Dumb.

I really think that many Americans have lost their capacity for critical thinking. They have been taught that their feelings are important, and many now feel instead of think, and they can't tell the difference. They communicate with tweets and memes, and have a hard time dealing with information and concepts that are deeper than what can fit on a bumper sticker. And if someone disagrees with them, it must be because the other person is crazy or evil, and they are incapable of assessing the other person's arguments and reasoning because they don't know how to even assess their own.

One of my life mottos is "What you believe is only as good as why you believe it." I am an opinionated person, but I try to have solid reasons for believing the things I do. I distinguish between things I know and things I believe, and I try to identify the facts and assumptions upon which my beliefs are based. Occasionally I will come across people who believe something different, who have good reasons for believing the things they believe. At such times, I have to be ready to challenge myself, and honestly assess both my own reasons and the reasons others have for their beliefs. Usually, I conclude my reasons are better, but not always.

The thing I find is that often, people have firmly held beliefs that are based on assumptions that they have never challenged. Until they are ready to consider those assumptions, they'll never be ready to engage in a serious dialogue about the beliefs based on those assumptions, and ultimately any discussions will be he-said-she-said sorts of things, or shouting matches.

CPT Jack Durish While i have no interest in what most actors or their family members usually have to say--This article expresses an opinion that i do agree with. Thank you for posting.

If anything it is wise to understand an apposing view. Without such insight its impossible to find common ground from witch to engage. If you look at the last couple of years the the dogmatic thinking that has emerged within politics in its wake it has created a stagnation and polarization within America. No longer are we interested in engaging from common ground - its all I'm right your wrong rhetoric. There is a dig difference between dogma and critical thinking. Yes I have been hurt by such people but try not to let it influence my own behavior. I try to frame people by their character thus while being a Christian I'm able to have friends that are atheists, Jewish and other. While I'm sure there's a point where our divergence will come to an impasse we are still able to respect each other and our diversity. I think that's a big ingredient missing these days - respect.