7 Clues That You Might Be Debating an Idiot

2. Apparent Lack of Understanding of Issues at Hand

If the person you’re debating with displays an obvious ignorance of the topics at hand, you might be debating an idiot.

When it comes to policy, economics, or political processes, idiots have a tendency to talk over their heads. They will plunge head-first into a topic they have little understanding of. For example, trying to argue with someone who doesn’t understand scarcity or market functions about wages or the best way to distribute resources is like arguing with pigeons.

If it becomes clear the person you’re debating doesn’t have the prerequisite knowledge needed to engage on the issues you’re discussing, you should consider if it’s really worth your time to continue.