I've noticed an interesting corollary to these lessons; if someone argues their viewpoint in a way that is highly vitriolic, I am more likely to view myself as

I've noticed an interesting corollary to these lessons; if someone argues their viewpoint in a way that is highly vitriolic, I am more likely to view myself as their "opponent", even if I share their perspective. I'm not going to list any specific examples, but I've found that the more "emotional" someone's argument is, the more likely I am to become disgusted with them (personally), and unfortunately that sense of disgust translates into disdain for their argument as well. Articles and blog posts that contain a high number of swear words, exclamation points, or ad hominem attacks (attacking a person's character rather than their argument) frustrate me very quickly, and I'm not really sure why. What's interesting is that I have friends who I disagree with on certain issues, but despite that, we're able to carry on a friendly debate about the subject. Neither person feels offended at the end of the conversation. On the other hand, I also know people who share my own viewpoint, but when they start debating with someone else, I find myself becoming irritated with the manner in which they argue, and I'll join the opposing side just to play devil's advocate. It's peculiar that what someone argues about frustrates me much less than how they argue.