Don't Argue with Idiots

One thing I've realized in the last few years (that I wish I'd realized many years sooner) is to avoid arguments on the internet (or in real life, honestly). Simply put, most of the time, the person you're arguing with is not going to change their mind. They are not looking to change their mind. They are looking to prove they're right.
One statement I've come to love is "don't argue with idiots." I think it could more accurately be termed "zealots," as I think most of the time it is not someone who is inherently idiotic, but simply tied emotionally to an ideology.
That said, I think a strong case can be made that the term "idiot" can be applied when we fail to recognize objective truth and cling to our preconceived notion in the face of evidence to the contrary. Objective truth is hard to find sometimes, but when reality stares us in the face, we have to be willing to change our beliefs.
Unfortunately, however, humans, as a species, are not good at:

1. Changing our minds on long-held beliefs
2. Making decisions which are in our best long-term benefit

Conor McGregor, after defeating Nate Diaz in their second fight, noted that "we win or we learn." It's a nice sentiment, but the fact is that we usually "lose" because of long-term habits we've developed. It's unlikely we'll be able to simply change these in a short period of time, especially if they've resulted in a number of successes for us. Was the failure a fluke? Were the successes? What kind of a plan do we have in place to progressively change our behavior? We can't expect ourselves to simply stick to a plan through the unavoidable ebbs and flows without a disciplined plan to which we can cling.
I realize this post has taken a number of turns, and I'm not sure it even flows together coherently. But in the end, the point is thus:
Be ready to acknowledge that what you know is wrong. But if you know it's right, don't waste your time trying to convince others if it's clear they don't want to learn. Use that time to analyze other long-held beliefs, or developing strategies for improvement. All we have is time, and it's best used to better ourselves, in an effort to better others.