When a man argues for victory and not for truth, he is sure of just one ally, that is the devil.—Not the defeat of the intellect, but the acceptance of the heart is the only true object in fighting with the sword of the spirit.
—George MacDonald (1824–1905) Scottish Novelist, Lecturer, Poet
A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.
—Miguel de Unamuno (1864–1936) Spanish Educator, Philosopher, Author
It is the briefest yet wisest maxim which tells us to “meddle not”.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
I had a lover’s quarrel with the world.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963) American Poet
It was completely fruitless to quarrel with the world, whereas the quarrel with oneself was occasionally fruitful and always, she had to admit, interesting.
—May Sarton (1912–95) American Children’s Books Writer, Poet, Novelist
The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.
—Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) French Writer, Moralist
If I were to deliver up my whole self to the arbitrament of special pleaders, today I might be argued into an atheist, and tomorrow into a pickpocket.
—Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) British Novelist, Poet, Politician
When you argue with your inferiors, you convince them of only one thing: they are as clever as you.
—Irving Layton (1912–2006) Romanian-born Canadian Poet, Lecturer
Heat and animosity, contest and conflict, may sharpen the wits, although they rarely do; they never strengthen the understanding, clear the perspicacity, guide the judgment, or improve the heart.
—Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) English Writer, Poet
Argument, as usually managed, is the worst sort of conversation, as in books it is generally the worst sort of reading.
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) Irish Satirist
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 much dispute has past, we find our tenets just the same as last.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
It is an excellent rule to be observed in all discussions, that men should give soft words and hard arguments; that they should not so much strive to silence or vex, as to convince their opponents.
—John Wilkins (1614–72) English Anglican Clergyman, Author, Administrator
I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
Soft words are hard arguments.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
An argument is like a country road, you never know where it is going to lead.
—Unknown
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
One often contradicts an opinion when what is uncongenial is really the tone in which it was conveyed.
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German Philosopher, Scholar, Writer
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
The sounder your argument, the more satisfaction you get out of it.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
I will name you the degrees. The first, the Retort Courteous; the second, the Quip Modest; the third, the Reply Churlish; the fourth, the Reproof Valiant; the fifth, the Countercheck Quarrelsome; the sixth, the Lie with Circumstance; the seventh, the Lie Direct.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
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
Soft words win hard hearts.
—Common Proverb
The soundest argument will produce no more conviction in an empty head than the most superficial declamation; a feather and a guinea fall with equal velocity in a vacuum.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
There is no point in arguing about matters of taste.
—Unknown
An ill argument introduced with deference will procure more credit than the profoundest science with a rough, insolent, and noisy management.
—John Locke (1632–1704) English Philosopher, Physician
Arguments are like fire-arms which a man may keep at home but should not carry about with him.
—Samuel Butler
Men argue, nature acts.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) French Philosopher, Author
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
An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never yet existed, from the greatest confederacy of nations down to a town meeting or a vestry.
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American Head of State, Lawyer