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Realistically a lot of people who you'd otherwise learn from will avoid discussing things with you because of this behavior. Meanwhile those willing to listen and who aren't as concerned with winning arguments will learn much more than you.

EDIT: to expand on this, the smartest person I ever knew (the late Justin Corwin. Maybe someone here also knew him) would sit quietly during arguments until someone asked his opinion. Even if you got something wrong he wouldn't correct you unless he knew it would help you. He didn't lord shallow facts over people like many others do and his knowledge went deeper than you could explore with mere discussion. After knowing someone like this It has forever changed how I evaluate people's intelligence. Some intelligent people are not at all concerned about winning arguments and it's extremely refreshing.



> his knowledge went deeper than you could explore with mere discussion.

Another principle of mine: There are no oracles. There is no individual, past, present, or future, who cannot be surpassed. No one is a knowledge god. If I learned everything Justin knew, and that wouldn't be too difficult, I imagine, then I, too, could gain a level of knowledge that goes deeper than one could explore with mere discussion, according to you.


> I imagine, then I, too, could gain a level of knowledge that goes deeper than one could explore with mere discussion, according to you.

Yes, you could. Your point is?


My point is: Let's not put anyone on a pedestal because of their cerebral skills.

Great athletes, great artists, sure.


No one is doing that. I'm trying to explain to you that you might get more milage (learning more) by using a different approach and then giving you an example from my life. If that doesn't work for you that's fine. Have a great day and good luck.


Ok but... why?




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