Contending Quote by Charles Caleb Colton
“Two things, well considered, would prevent many quarrels: first, to have it well ascertained whether we are not disputing about terms, rather than things; and, secondly, to examine whether that on which we differ is worth contending about.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Miscellanies, 1820
He suggests that disagreements often stem from semantic confusion and that we should first clarify terms before arguing, then assess the worth of the dispute.
In simple terms: Clarify terms, then judge the dispute's value.
Key Takeaway
Separate language from substance before arguing.
Themes
communication
philosophy
conflict resolution
logic
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- legal debates
- personal arguments
Key Concepts
semantic clarity
argumentation
value assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you arguing about facts or definitions?
- When is a disagreement worth pursuing?
A Different Perspective
Not all disputes are worth fighting; some are trivial.
