Keep going. Look at Matthew 7:6. "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."

That is (in this context), don't bother trying to give truth (or even have a reasonable conversation) with those who simply will not listen. Zealots, shill, propagandists... it's like talking to a brick wall. If anyone has a technique for getting them to stop being a brick wall and start actually engaging with what you're saying, I'd like to know what it is.

i find that passionate certainty can be a good thing in some cases, especially when someone really does know what they are talking about.

but fanaticism is more often a problem than not. fanatics tend to not really understand what they're talking about, or twist it to fit what they want it to be about.

> Fanaticism: Excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on any subject, especially religion, politics or ideology; religious frenzy.

note -- not talking about any particular "thing" here. just commenting about passion vs. fanaticism in general.

The equivalence between supporting the rights of oppressed minorities, and inciting violence towards foreigners, is a good one?

A red flag that is blowing into your face? :P