I'll break it down for your feeble, bitter mind, inside that massively large head of yours...
When people argue/discuss, two things can happen:
1.) You hear an idea that conforms to your already established beliefs
2.) You hear an idea that contradicts your established beliefs
When you hear an idea that contradicts your established beliefs, three things can happen:
1.) The conflict between the beliefs leads to a new belief (usually a synthesis of the two)
2.) The conflict between the beliefs is eventually dismissed and your previously held belief is stronger for withstanding the challenge
3.) The conflict between the beliefs is resolved by accepting the new belief
So, you see, true thought progress is made by conflict -- the inner conflict that happens within your mind when you consider new ideas that don't conform with established ones. The conflict is the catalyst for development. This is why I believe that discussing ideas with people that only agree with you is far less valuable than unresolved arguments where there is a lot of conflict.
P.S.: I don't watch football, I'm only here for political discussion
