Please, we aren't rational. The ideas just provide a narrative wrapper for our stew of inclinations. Fine philosophies will not improve things.
My bet is on drugs, art and meditation.
My bet is on drugs, art and meditation.
That is, if rationality is optional, to be put aside when it doesn't suit us.
Or if rationality is an expression of an underlying form, like a glove over a hand.
Then, if we want to address a person, to influence him or whatever, then we would do well to address that fundamental form and not that optional, superficial expression.
You've never had your perspective changed or consciousness raised by something someone said unexpectedly? If your answer is "no" I'd posit that that is a particularly interesting piece of data.
It's a matter of what has greater impact. Drugs/art/meditation, as a rule, are a greater force for changing perspectives than ideas are. That's just how it is.
Look at my post: I only say you should treat people with kindness. You are saying some nonsense about "applying as much kindness as possible." Is it a habit you have of putting words into another's mouth. This is a Strawman, either intentional or unintentional. It's generally possible to be kind while also protecting yourself. It's only in very extreme circumstances where it's not. Calm, speaking interactions generally do not fall into this category.