…people decided what they thought and would not be moved, not even by the most patient, the most rational argument.
The quote from Alexander McCall Smith's "At the Reunion Buffet" highlights a profound aspect of human nature: once people form an opinion, it becomes nearly impossible to change their minds, regardless of the evidence or logic presented. This conveys the idea that emotional attachment to beliefs can overshadow reasoned discussion.
This tendency to cling to one's viewpoint emphasizes the challenges of communication and understanding in society. It suggests that dialogues often fall short when individuals are unwilling to consider alternative perspectives, leading to a divide that rational arguments cannot bridge.