I'll never be given the satisfaction of having changed anyone’s mind during a debate. I've found that as long as I don't call names or blow up in an incoherent rant, I can have influence. It usually shows up by seeing or hearing a person recite a point (always to someone else) I made while debating them in another discussion. Conservatism is a bit like tough love. It's difficult to articulate, feels less caring and doesn't always seem fair, yet if followed to it's ultimate conclusion, it results in more well being for our society and for that I have a passion.