A half truth, like half a brick, is always more forcible as an argument than a whole one. It carries read more

A half truth, like half a brick, is always more forcible as an argument than a whole one. It carries better.

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.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter."
And proved it--'t was no matter what he said.

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter."
And proved it--'t was no matter what he said.

Nothing requires a greater effort of thought than arguments to justify the rule of non-thought.

Nothing requires a greater effort of thought than arguments to justify the rule of non-thought.

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

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

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

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

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.

Lower your voice and strengthen your argument.

Lower your voice and strengthen your argument.