To argue with a man who has renounced the use and…
“To argue with a man who has renounced the use and authority of reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason is dismissed and humanity devalued, making attempts to persuade futile like treating the dead.
In simple terms: Reason dismissed, persuasion futile.
Accept limits of rational discourse.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- ethical discussions
- education
- therapy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you ever change a deeply entrenched belief?
- When is it wiser to disengage?
Even the dead cannot be healed; some minds resist change.