--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When I am getting ready to reason with a…" description: "\"When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him an..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/471/abraham-lincoln-88_my-time_when-i-am-getting-ready-to-reason-with-a_498859.png" --- # When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend… ![“When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/471/abraham-lincoln-88_my-time_when-i-am-getting-ready-to-reason-with-a_498859.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/471/abraham-lincoln-88_my-time_when-i-am-getting-ready-to-reason-with-a_498859.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/471/abraham-lincoln-88_my-time_when-i-am-getting-ready-to-reason-with-a_498859.png) > “When I am getting ready to reason with a man, I spend one-third of my time thinking about myself and what I am going to say and two-thirds about him and what he is going to say.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Preparing to argue involves self‑preparation and listening to the other side, but may be biased toward self‑interest. **In simple terms:** Think about yourself and the other when debating. Key Takeaway Balance self‑preparation with genuine listening. Themes communication self‑awareness debate Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - public speaking - conflict resolution - personal negotiations - team meetings Key Concepts rhetoric cognitive bias Questions to Reflect On - How much of your argument is about you? - Can you shift more focus to the other? 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