Weak arguments are often thrust b fore my path; but although they are most unsubstantial, it is not easy to destroy them. There is not a more difficult feat known than to cut through a cushion with a sword.
—Richard Whately (1787–1863) English Philosopher, Theologian
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.
—Miguel de Unamuno (1864–1936) Spanish Educator, Philosopher, Author
The argument of the strongest is always the best.
—Jean de La Fontaine (1621–95) French Poet, Short Story Writer
Concerning God, freewill and destiny: Of all that earth has been or yet may be, all that vain men imagine or believe, or hope can paint or suffering may achieve, we descanted.
—Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) English Poet, Dramatist, Essayist, Novelist
Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
True disputants are like true sportsman: their whole delight is in the pursuit.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
Neither irony or sarcasm is argument.
—Samuel Butler
Fear not those who argue but those who dodge.
—Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian Novelist
We are not won by arguments that we can analyze, but by tone and temper; by the manner, which is the man himself.
—Samuel Butler
He who establishes his argument by noise and command shows that his reason is weak.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
Wise men argue cases, fools decide them.
—Anacharsis (fl. 6th century BCE) Scythian Prince
Whenever you argue with another wiser than yourself in order that others may admire your wisdom, they will discover your ignorance.
—Sa’Di (Musharrif Od-Din Muslih Od-Din) (c.1213–91) Persian Poet
When worthy men fall out, only one of them may be faulty at first; but if the strife continue long, both commonly become guilty.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
In a false quarrel there is no true valor.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
In the course of my observation, the disputing, contradicting and confuting people are generally unfortunate in their affairs. They get victory sometimes, but they never get good will, which would be of more use to them.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Arguments are like fire-arms which a man may keep at home but should not carry about with him.
—Samuel Butler
He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Soft words win hard hearts.
—Common Proverb
The difficult part in an argument is not to defend one’s opinion, but rather to know it.
—Andre Maurois (1885–1967) French Novelist, Biographer
Argument is conclusive… but… it does not remove doubt, so that the mind may rest in the sure knowledge of the truth, unless it finds it by the method of experiment. For if any man who never saw fire proved by satisfactory arguments that fire burns. his hearer’s mind would never be satisfied, nor would he avoid the fire until he put his hand in it that he might learn by experiment what argument taught.
—Roger Bacon (1214–94) English Philosopher, Scientist
There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
—James Russell Lowell (1819–91) American Poet, Critic
I tell you Wellington is a bad general, the English are bad soldiers; we will settle this matter by lunch time.
—Napoleon I (1769–1821) Emperor of France
How beggarly appear arguments before a defiant deed!
—Walt Whitman (1819–92) American Poet, Essayist, Journalist, American, Poet, Essayist, Journalist
Arguments out of a pretty mouth are unanswerable.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
People generally quarrel because they cannot argue.
—G. K. Chesterton (1874–1936) English Journalist, Novelist, Essayist, Poet
Men argue, nature acts.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author
Behind every argument is someone’s ignorance.
—Louis Brandeis (1856–1941) American Jurist
An argument is like a country road, you never know where it is going to lead.
—Unknown
The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.
—Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) French Writer, Moralist
Weakness on both sides is the motto of all quarrels.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author