Grow the Game®

Chazz Woodson - Words of Wisdom
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit
Share on whatsapp

Don’t Argue With Fools

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!

No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude. – Karl Popper

Some food for thought, today.

Disagreement is healthy. Arguing can be healthy. Arguing with the intent of changing someone’s mind, or showing how “correct” we are, is often fruitless. It’s my experience that arguments often arise as the result of two people who both feel that their posture (whatever it may be) is the correct one. Consequently, there’s often no interest in opening the door to the possibility that they could be wrong, and as such any value that may be gained from the argument is lost; trapped behind that closed door.

https://commonsenseatheism.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/calvin_arguing.png

A “rational argument” assumes that the person on the listening end is actually willing to let down his/her gaurd and accept that what is being said to them may actually carry weight. It assumes that the listener is actually processing, not just hearing. This is what constitutes the “rational attitude” in an argument. The “rational effect” is not proving that we are correct. The rational effect is progress on the issue at hand, or knowledge gained, or lessons learned.

Be careful when engaging in arguments. Evaluate what is to be gained from it, and whether or not the person you are arguing with has a “rational attitude.” If not, you leave yourself open to wasted breath, frustration, quite possibly disappointment. Remember the old adage: Don’t Argue With Fools. People from a distance cannot tell who is who.

Make it a GREAT day!
Stay blessed.