 The philosopher Voltaire said it is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere. Now undoubtedly you have tried this, at some point in your past you have tried to change someone's values, their belief patterns or influence the way they approach life. At that time you thought that you were doing God's work, helping your fellow man or woman. This event could have been your attempt to influence your friends into eating healthier. This event could have been you trying to rid someone's bitterness or perhaps it was you trying to help your father or mother get over their bad smoking habit. There could have been a range of things, however they didn't listen. Perhaps this came as a shock to you, perhaps it came as a surprise. Why would they not take your advice? Well, the chains they revere are encumbering. Now they say it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. It's not difficult because the dog is incapable of learning new tricks, it's difficult because the dog does not want to learn new tricks. Inculcated beliefs and values are hard to break. Once someone has viewed the world through a certain lens, it's difficult to change the glasses. Sure you can influence people, but ultimately their decision to make the change is up to them. I mean you can supply documents of scientific evidence, you can supply newtons laws of physics, newtons laws of motion to a flat earth, but that doesn't mean they're going to believe you. It doesn't mean they're going to believe that the world is a sphere. You can tell a vegan about the benefits of meat eating, but that doesn't mean you're going to sway them. Vice versa, you can tell a meat either about the benefits of a vegan diet. I'm still going to eat my bacon. So do not waste unnecessary time being concerned about changing people's beliefs. Focus on influence them. You can influence them through your actions, your actions will speak louder than your words. If they view you practicing what you preach and they can see the merits of your paradigm, they will follow if they choose. Do not become too attached to the outcome because you have no control over it. Everyone ultimately decides the choices that they make. Everyone chooses their own path. Everyone chooses their own chains to revere.