I once believed in the ability of discussion to foster empathy and nurture consensus (with varying positions all agreed upon as acceptable). But... although I firmly believe in my opinions and think that any reasonable human being can arrive at the same opinions were they to hear me out, I've come to realize that there is never enough time to make my case, or I don't have the energy to build it (have I become that weak? what happened to my fierce, matter-of-fact style of argumentation?). Or I believe the person I'm trying to convince needs to experience something real in order for my words to have weight - words themselves don't often penetrate the heart. And that's what communication is all about! It's so hard to gain access to someone's heart, because so many people - especially in positions of power - play a game in which they act their role and expect you to act your role and will hear you as a human being only if you manage to find the perfect intersection of situation, personalities, and wit. Convince them of your insight, by showing them an understanding of who they are precisely.