Debate is the death of conversation.

Debate is the death of conversation.

"For your own good" is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.

"For your own good" is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.

I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.

He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.

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.

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.

I find you want me to furnish you with argument and intellects
too. No, sir, these, I protest you, read more

I find you want me to furnish you with argument and intellects
too. No, sir, these, I protest you, are too hard for me.

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.

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.