Argument Quote by T.H. White
““Neither force, nor argument, nor opinion," said Merlyn with the deepest sincerity, "are thinking. Argument is only a display of mental force, a sort of fencing with points in order to gain a victory, not for truth. Opinions are the blind alleys of lazy or of stupid men, who are unable to think. If ever a true politician really thinks a subject out dispassionately, even Homo stultus will be compelled to accept his findings in the end. Opinion can never stand beside truth. At present, however, Homo impoliticus is content either to argue with opinions or to fight with his fists, instead of waiting for the truth in his head. It will take a million years, before the mass of men can be called political animals.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Once and Future King by T.H. White, 1958
True thinking is dispassionate and independent of force, argument, or opinion; true politicians think rationally and eventually persuade even the foolish.
In simple terms: Thinking without bias leads to truth.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth, not victory.
Themes
philosophy
politics
logic
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic discussion
- public policy formation
Key Concepts
critical thinking
rational discourse
truth-seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we value truth over winning an argument?
- What habits foster dispassionate thinking?
A Different Perspective
Argument can be persuasive but not truthful.
![“...never [enter] into dispute or argument with another. I never saw an instance of one of two disputants convincing the other by argument. I have seen many, on their getting warm, becoming rude, & shooting one another. ... When I hear another express an opinion which is not mine, I say to myself…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a82/thomas-jefferson-43_politics_never-enter-into-dispute-or-argument-wit_2220825.jpg)
