It you're going to argue, here are guidelines

Here's a piece of advice that popped up in my Instagram feed this morning via TinyBuddha --- "Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspectives? Because if not, there's absolutely no point."

Practical strategy in contentious times.

However, and this is a big one, it's needful too, to ask yourself if you are mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of different perspectives.

This does not mean one shouldn't speak up and express a differing view or defend a position if challenged. It does mean --- if neither party in a conversation is willing to acknowledge and/or try to understand the perspective of the other --- there's not much point in a prolonged confrontation. Speak your piece and walk away.

Always bearing in mind the great truth of debate: He or she who loses his or her temper loses.