How to talk to a friend

[outerheaven]

Just beware that most likely, you aren't going to be able to change his mind on this. His phrasing already sounds dismissive and almost insulting, even. So what is your goal in continuing the discussion with him? Do you really think you can change his mind?

Let me try another route. Would you have cared to craft some thoughtful reply to him, to the point where you had to enlist this forum's help, if his response had been something like, "hmm, I don't know, that's cool that you found a philosophy that works for you but I don't think it resonates with me"? I'm guessing probably not.

He isn't dismissing the LOO based on any reading or research he's done, or any logical or scientific or religious or personal issues. He's dismissing it because of your history for being duped, apparently, and that con-men exist in this world. I can totally see how that would upset you and/or make you feel defensive, like you need to validate your beliefs.

But if you give him the chance to attack your beliefs further -- by trying to philosophize with him -- he might just take you right up on that. This looks to me like it's a lesson in letting go.

I figure that the overwhelming majority of people I come across would dismiss LOO out of hand. And that's fine and totally understandable. I don't necessarily believe everything is 100% true in the LOO, but I don't need it to be. (If you need the LOO to be a perfect document, ask yourself: why?) The message is what resonates with me, and my life has improved immeasurably since I came across it and put its philosophy in practice.

I think the best response is to just put the LOO to practical use and be the best person you can be. Accept that others are going to have very different perspectives and beliefs. Forgive him for his dismissive remarks.