Peoples opinions reflect how they would like the world to be - just like you, they would like the world to be a certain way. You hate people being talked down to, so you are trying to make a change in the world. Other peoples opinions matter to me because my opinions matter to me. I have an opinion on how the world should be and I too would like that to be a reality. I respect that people have some kind of right to their own opinion - But I do not have to respect their opinion. The opinion is not the same thing as the freedom to hold it. Some opinions, quite a lot of them actually, are objectively dumb. They are ill considered and based on partial information. These opinions are not worthy of our respect - and it can even be harmful to the person who holds the opinion as well as others. You may feel a certain way about conventional medicine or be opposed to blood transfusions on religious grounds. Your beliefs may lead you to refuse lifesaving treament to a family member. I would have no respect for that opinion but would respect that you have some legal right to persist in such stupidity. I do not object to someone feeling a certain way, a feeling is not something we actively will. I object to people acting on that feeling without pausing to think and discover whether the feelings are warranted upon consideration.