It’s a dilemma: should I read writers and topics that annoy me?

The other day I disagreed with someone’s story and commented correspondingly. I didn’t rant, but there was anger in my response. Sometimes I allow myself an even more extreme act: writing an angry story dismissing someone’s story.

One of the writers asked a very fair question (redacted as I don’t want to discuss the actual topic):

Alexei, I have to admit I’m a little mystified at your aggressive distaste for people who write about xyz. Between this comment and the story of yours I just read ripping people who write about xyz, there’s a simple solution for you here: just don’t read it.

That’s a very fair observation. I appreciated it and noted the softness of the tone. It made me think.

On the one hand, I noticed that with age — not that I’m old — I want to focus more on positive and peaceful aspects of life, not in some simplistic let’s-all-be-friends-life-is-so-beatiful way but because there is so much more to achieve if I expand my energy and creativity on things that truly matter in my development, not on contradicting or arguing with others.

On the other hand, I still often succumb to the urge to disagree and argue.

I can rationalize my impulses. I get especially triggered when I see someone claim moral or intellectual authority. It can be over diverse topics. Often it's about politics and social issues, but it can be about more trivial matters — nutrition, for example…