“If you haven’t got anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.” (Mother)
“Tis never so, that the louder the voice, the truer the argument.” (Ching Chow, 1968, News Syndicate Co.)
addendum to Ching Chow: Unless the argument is over who is the loudest.
Important truths are often hidden in the minds of people who are afraid to express them.
Important truths are often hidden in the minds of people who are not allowed to express them.
Mark Twain used silence during his lectures for dramatic effect.
Think twice before you speak. It might prevent foot-in-mouth disease.
Don’t be quick to answer dogmatically about things.
“Silence is not always golden. Sometimes it’s yellow.” (author unknown)
– Learn the difference.
The best way to avoid an argument is to preclude it. If appropriate, bring it up it up and answer it first. That will diffuse it, and prevent your opponent from claiming he has caught you off guard.
– “Asked and answered” as would be objected in the courtroom.
– Shows you are aware of the issue and have considered it.
