Are you sure about that? I think a fair reading of every single conflict would tell a different tale, my friend.
Here's the problem. If I'm insulted, I tend to respond. But I don't respond in similar fashion. I respond in a better way. Go analyze every post I've ever made. The science is there.
I'll admit, I usually get the best of anybody that comes at me. And THAT is what pisses people off. Mrsmith still holds a grudge from when we tangled. And I remember you and I have scrapped a time or two as well, goodman.
But I challenge you to cite a SINGLE time I've started any conflict. EVER.
I do tend to finish them, though. That I will admit.
Divisive? Setting the environment?
I think not.
Smart people don't like to lose arguments and they anger easily. And there are a LOT of smart people on FR. You being one of them, caww. That I have to admit.
But smart people can be wrong too.
So let's break your post down a bit without pointing fingers outward regarding ‘conflict’.
Your words.....”I usually get the best of anybody that comes at me”......”I do tend to finish them”
Sounds like you're on the defensive ready for combat and intend to ‘win’ the conflict including the cost of discovering truth. That isn't exactly debating now is it? After all you're after discovering truth are you not? Even in the face of insult?
How many hours, days and weeks was Kavenaugh questioned/ drilled 'without flinching'....as a good example of a man in control 'because' he knew he was right and confident in his positions.
You stated....”Smart people don’t like to lose arguments and they anger easily”....
How about the fact that generally most people, smart and not don’t ‘like’ to lose arguments and can get just as easily angered....because they can and do.