What I will do and what I won't

I'm learning (or re-learning) that I do not play well with others. I get too bossy sometimes, and others I just am not cooperative. So I'm not sure if study group is a benefit, where I learn life lessons that do not come easily; or a waste of time. I'm already well past the half way point in life, and I have generally come to terms with the idea that who I am is not always who I thought I'd be, or who I think I should be. I am assertive and sometimes overly so. I have my own ideas, and while I enjoy hearing the ideas of others, if they make grand generalizations or are dismissive of the underrepresented, I tend to dismiss their ideas out of hand. Someone who is bigoted or closed minded must be wrong-yes, I see the hypocrisy in that! But here's the thing-that is how I feel. If you don't stand for the rights of others, then I am likely to disagree with and dismiss much of what you have to say. And given that I am acutely aware of the limited amount of time I have on this planet, the next logical step is to say to myself "self, you should not waste time in a debate with someone whose mind you will not change, and who will not change yours, over things you hold dear". The result is likely animosity or frustration, and I don't want to actively encourage such attitudes in myself or others. I'd rather we discuss topics less fraught with disagreement, and leave it at that. I know I have a lot to learn, but what I'm referring to is to things that are core values. Reminds me of the song on my ipod - "Is there anyone who ever changed their mind from the paint on a sign?"