Proselytizing causes learning because it creates doubt in others (that will then build arguments to refute the assertions) and in the self (through doxastic aporia).

But the current mainstream thinking of relativism, where values are inverted, also thinks learning is bad (which is why we don't do it in schools and universities anymore), and so earnest discussions are discouraged and deemed offensive (but 5 minute shout matches on the news are still fair game).

Umm … I feel like I'm being scolded for something, but I'm not sure what—or maybe I am just mis-reading. :-)

I was agreeing with you and saying I also do that (make confident assertions to spur a conversation while being fully open to the possibility I'm wrong, because it seems to be a more efficient route than everyone doing infinite research before saying anything).

Sorry if that seemed rude or anything.

EDIT: example of this at work: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8514048