Becoming part of the solution

5 minute read / listen.

In a diverse world that celebrates a multitude of beliefs and perspectives, the ability to engage in open and respectful dialogue is a cornerstone of a harmonious society. Healthy debate and discussion can lead to mutual understanding and personal growth. However, there are times when engaging in conversation is not only unproductive but potentially harmful. In situations where individuals are staunch, unwavering, and unyielding in their beliefs, commonly referred to as “true believers,” it’s crucial to employ a different set of strategies. Here we explore  practical approaches for navigating interactions with true believers while maintaining peace and civility.

True believers are individuals who hold their beliefs as unwavering, absolute truths. They perceive their viewpoints as the only valid perspective, and they often approach conversations with dogmatic certainty. Whether their convictions revolve around religious beliefs, racial and ethnic superiority, or other deeply held notions, attempting to engage in rational debate can prove fruitless. In such cases, it is recomendable to employ the following strategies:

When confronted with a true believer’s unyielding convictions, the most effective approach is to remain polite and seek opportunities to disengage from the conversation. Politeness maintains a civil tone and avoids unnecessary confrontations. Politely excusing yourself from the conversation, such as mentioning another obligation, can be a graceful exit strategy without causing offense.

In situations where you cannot physically remove yourself from the conversation, it’s valuable to convey disinterest. This subtle signal can indicate that you’d rather not continue the discussion. Should the true believer persist, politely change or request to change the subject. Communicate your lack of interest in debating their particular beliefs. The goal is to redirect the conversation away from contentious topics.

Attempting to challenge a true believer’s beliefs, questioning their logic, or trying to “enlighten” them can escalate the situation. It’s crucial to avoid provocation, as it usually leads to more significant conflict and frustration. The primary objective is to de-escalate the situation and withdraw without fostering further contention.

In cases where you are unable to extricate yourself and the situation becomes uncomfortable or potentially hostile, do not hesitate to seek mediation or assistance from a neutral third party. This can be particularly helpful for young individuals confronted by intolerance from adults or when confined in close quarters.

While engaging in rational discussion is often constructive, it is unlikely to be effective when dealing with true believers. For individuals who steadfastly adhere to irrational and inflexible beliefs, engaging in debates can be counterproductive. The likelihood of changing their viewpoints is minimal, and it’s best to avoid encouraging prolonged discussions that only serve to exacerbate tensions.

So we can say that tolerance and open-mindedness are critical for a peaceful society. In many cases, engaging in debates and conversations can be enlightening and beneficial. However, when dealing with true believers—individuals who adamantly cling to their unwavering beliefs—strategies such as politeness, disinterest, and subject redirection are more effective. The ultimate goal is to defuse potentially explosive situations, foster understanding, and contribute to a world where diversity is embraced and respected, even when not all beliefs align.

Written by Stephen Griffin and with help from ChatGPT