Debate Quotes

The well-bred contradict other people. The wise contradict themselves.

Oscar Wilde

When you resort to attacking the messenger and not the message, you have lost the debate.

Addison Whithecomb

"If you've got the truth you can demonstrate it. Talking doesn't prove it."

Robert A. Heinlein

There is only one rule for being a good talker - learn to listen.

Christopher Morley

The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum.

Noam Chomsky

Debate is masculine, conversation is feminine.

Amos Bronson Alcott

Open debate and full discourse on the topic of torture is a double-edged sword.

Charles D. Ellison

Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle.

Thomas Jefferson

When you have the facts on your side, argue the facts. When you have the law on your side, argue the law. When you have neither, holler.

Al Gore

Just as war is freedom's cost, disagreement is freedom's privilege.

Bill Clinton

The best way to win an argument is to begin by being right.

Jill Ruckleshaus

We must not contradict, but instruct him that contradicts us; for a madman is not cured by another running mad also.

Antisthenes

I'm willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.

Samuel Goldwyn

A man never tells you anything until you contradict him.

George Bernard Shaw

Gold begets in brethren hate; Gold in families debate; Gold does friendship separate; Gold does civil wars create.

Abraham Cowley