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I think questioning someone's ideology or beliefs to their face has never and will never win them as a friend. These things generally aren't rationally founded

I think questioning someone's ideology or beliefs to their face has never and will never win them as a friend. These things generally aren't rationally founded anyway. If you ask about some political issue, you're going to get regurgitated talking points and tribalism, not a thesis. I think it's quite rare to meet someone willing to suspend belief for a bit and engage in unbiased debate, or at least I haven't met too many. This line of thinking can be helpful in a technical context though.

danenania 6y ago
"Questioning someone's beliefs" doesn't have to mean "tell the idiot why I'm right and they're wrong in the form of a series of questions". If you ask with sincere interest and an open mind, and avoid passing judgment on the answers you get (including with nonverbal cues), the person you're questioning will generally feel flattered, not attacked. This is how good journalists get people to open up to them.
bayonetz 6y ago
If they aren’t “fastidious about truth” probably. If they are, and they know you are being “curious”, you will likely have a cool, engaging conversation on your hands.