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.

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.

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.

Whatever Sceptic could inquire for,
For every why he had a wherefore.

Whatever Sceptic could inquire for,
For every why he had a wherefore.

Debate is the death of conversation.

Debate is the death of conversation.

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.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one's opinion but rather to know it.

The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one's opinion but rather to know it.

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is read more

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl,
And that a Lord may be an owl,
A calf an Alderman, a goose a Justice,
And rooks, Committee-men or Trustees.