not everyone wants to have a groundbreaking debate every time they have a conversation. sometimes they just want to talk about crap they saw on tv etc. you sound like you are trying way too hard to have an "interesting" conversation about topics that usually wouldnt be discussed outside of, for example, a classroom. a good conversation is one where you come away knowing something about the other persons opinion, even if that opinion is as simple as thinking the OC is better than dawsons creek, or as complex as discussing quantum mechanics. its better to start off at the simple end so people feel more comfortable talking to you so are more likely to then open up about big stuff.