Not Arguing Anonymously Online For Mental Health

Not Arguing Anonymously Online For Mental Health
Niles Heckman

There's a saying regarding debate, especially relevant to anonymous online forum or comment thread debates which we remind you goes: "Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."

This wise and hilarious proverb is usually attributed to Robert A. Heinlein, and was also used by Robert Anton Wilson, although its true origin is somewhat debatable or uncertain. Its staying power comes from how elegantly it captures a fundamental truth about effort, receptivity, and discernment. On the surface, it means: "Don't try to educate, persuade, or transform someone who has neither the desire nor the capacity to receive what you're offering."

These insight sub-episodes are mirrored on our primary YouTube channel which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@NilesHeckman/videos