Originally posted on 10/13/2012:

It's the internet. No one is going to concede their mind has been changed. And if that's what you're after going into it you're missing the point. Most people's beliefs are founded in years of life experience/personal consideration. These aren't conclusions people come to lightly and you're not just going to unravel them overnight. Thinking that you could so easily and quickly change the beliefs of others is a disservice to your own.

It's all about planting seeds. Rarely in life is anyone going to change their mind about anything in a sudden moment and admit they were wrong. Personal revelation is the result of hours of reflection. Your goal is to put new ideas and thoughts on the table so that they can be absorbed and reflected upon in the future. Only when those ideas seep up from the subconscious and meld with an impact moment in that person's life will they find themselves inspired to change their way of thinking. If you want credit for changing people's opinions and saving the world you should go get a job in Hollywood or start your own charity telethon.

Otherwise, just make a case. If you are right, chances are the person you are speaking with is going to one day experience the very types of moments in life as you have and find their views aligning accordingly to those you have already established. But you can't force it. Some things just can't be explained. They must be experienced. (Like Sex for a virgin). There are just certain things that can't be taught. They have to be learned. Planting the seeds of your own observations may help germinate the blossoming of similar revelations for those who end up sharing similar experiences, but you can't force the flowering of such illumination any more than you goad a rose to bloom before its time.