--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I always make it a rule to let the other…" description: "\"I always make it a rule to let the other fellow fire first. If a man wants to fight, I argue the question with him and try to show him how foolish it w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/ben-thompson-47161_arguing_i-always-make-it-a-rule-to-let-the-other_2820784.jpg" --- # I always make it a rule to let the other fellow fire… ![“I always make it a rule to let the other fellow fire first. If a man wants to fight, I argue the question with him and try to show him how foolish it would be. If he can't be dissuaded, why then the fun begins but I always let him have first crack. Then when I fire, you see, I have the verdict of…” quote by Ben Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/ben-thompson-47161_arguing_i-always-make-it-a-rule-to-let-the-other_2820784.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/ben-thompson-47161_arguing_i-always-make-it-a-rule-to-let-the-other_2820784.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/836/ben-thompson-47161_arguing_i-always-make-it-a-rule-to-let-the-other_2820784.jpg) > “I always make it a rule to let the other fellow fire first. If a man wants to fight, I argue the question with him and try to show him how foolish it would be. If he can't be dissuaded, why then the fun begins but I always let him have first crack. Then when I fire, you see, I have the verdict of self-defence on my side. I know that he is pretty certain in his hurry, to miss. I never do.” [Ben Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-thompson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Allowing an opponent to act first clarifies intent and justifies defensive response. **In simple terms:** Let the aggressor act first. Key Takeaway Use measured response to conflict. Themes conflict defense strategy Mood analytical pragmatic Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - debates - physical confrontations - legal disputes Key Concepts ethical self‑defense psychology of aggression Questions to Reflect On - When is it appropriate to let others act first? - How do you ensure your response remains defensive? A Different Perspective Risk of escalation if not controlled. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argue Question](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argue-question-3588149/) [Arguing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arguing/) [Certain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certain/) [Cracks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cracks/) [Defence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defence/) [Fellows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fellows/) [Fight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight/) [Fight Argue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight-argue-2453559/) [Fighting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fighting/) [Fire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fire/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Foolish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolish/) [Fun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fun/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Missing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/missing/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self defence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-defence/) [Shows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shows/) [Sides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sides/) [Trying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying/) [Verdict](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/verdict/) [Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want/) [Wants Fight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wants-fight/) [Would be](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/would-be/) ## Related quotes > [It would have been very alarming - morally, and in other ways too - if an attack of that nature, the 11 September attacks,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/it-would-have-been-very-alarming-morally-and-in-other-ways-too-if-an/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [Daughters could survive a powerful mother, but boys found it almost impossible. 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Then when I fire, you see, I have the verdict of self-defence on my side. I know that he is pretty certain in his hurry, to miss. 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