When a thing is said to be not worth refuting you may be sure that either it is flagrantly stupid read more

When a thing is said to be not worth refuting you may be sure that either it is flagrantly stupid -- in which case all comment is superfluous -- or it is something formidable, the very crux of the problem.

There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only
argument available with an east wind is to read more

There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only
argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.

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 purely agitation attitude is not good enough for a detailed consideration of a subject.

The purely agitation attitude is not good enough for a detailed consideration of a subject.

The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the right.

The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the right.

Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.

Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.

Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.

To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.

To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.

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.