Avoid tricks, catches, and the like. Do not take advantage of your opponent’s slip of the tongue. Let him have the impression that you are treating him fairly.
Do not get into any discussion unless you can make it a sincere effort to discover the truth, and not to overcome, out-talk, or humiliate your opponent.
Do not discuss at all with one who has his mind made up beforehand. It is usually profitless to argue upon religion, because as a rule men’s opinions here are reached not by reason but by feeling or by custom. Nothing is more interesting and profitable, however, than to discuss religion with an open-minded person, yet such a one is a very rare bird.
If you meet a man full of egotism or prejudices, do not argue with him. Let him have his say, agree with him as you can, and for the rest—smile.
Controversy may be made a most friendly and helpful exercise, if it be undertaken by two well-tempered and courteous minds.
Vain contention, on the contrary, is of no use except to deepen enmity.
Controversy is a game for strong minds; contention is a game for the weak and undisciplined.
LETTING THINGS ALONE
There are times, said Eb Hopkins, when you want to Let Things Alone, and then again there are times when you want to Meddle.
I lean mostly to lettin’ ’em alone, myself.