those arguments are how you learn. I get what you're saying, but I can tell you personally I learned SOOO much from getting into arguments with people and then

those arguments are how you learn. I get what you're saying, but I can tell you personally I learned SOOO much from getting into arguments with people and then going off and doing research during the argument. And sometimes I'll completely do a 180 after a few years because I REMEMBER those arguments, and I eventually understand their perspective because I started coming across the problems they were having. I may not always do a 180, but I WILL more fully understand the pros and cons of everything. And this is a major reason why the "discourse" here on HN is only half useful. Too many people think not being challenged is somehow good and educational. Perhaps for a subset of people, but there are many like me who learn through challenge. Just consider that often the very act of responding to someone forces you to consider their position better. Which is why trite dismissal is one of the poorest forms of argumentation ever made.