A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish read more

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinions, 'tis
best to argue with judgments below our own, that the frequent
spoils and victories over their reasons may settle in ourselves
an esteem and confirmed opinion of our own.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

Nay, if he take you in hand, sir, with an argument,
He'll bray you in a mortar.

Nay, if he take you in hand, sir, with an argument,
He'll bray you in a mortar.

Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.

Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

Debate is the death of conversation.

Debate is the death of conversation.

I always admired Mrs. Grote's saying that politics and theology
were the only two really great subjects.

I always admired Mrs. Grote's saying that politics and theology
were the only two really great subjects.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.