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.

His conduct still right with his argument wrong.

His conduct still right with his argument wrong.

Thus can the demigod Authority
Make us pay down for our offense by weight
The words of read more

Thus can the demigod Authority
Make us pay down for our offense by weight
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will,
On whom it will not, so: yet still 'tis just.

I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it.

I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it.

It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument.

It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument.

In arguing one should meet serious pleading with humor, and humor
with serious pleading.

In arguing one should meet serious pleading with humor, and humor
with serious pleading.

Authority intoxicates,
And makes mere sots of magistrates;
The fumes of it invade the brain,
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Authority intoxicates,
And makes mere sots of magistrates;
The fumes of it invade the brain,
And make men giddy, proud, and vain.

Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument
About it and about: read more

Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument
About it and about: but evermore
Came out by the same door wherein I went.

Reproachful speech from either side
The want of argument supplied;
They rail, reviled; as often ends
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Reproachful speech from either side
The want of argument supplied;
They rail, reviled; as often ends
The contests of disputing friends.