Argue Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It is as useless to argue with those who have renounced the use of reason as to administer medication to the dead.”
About This Quote
Source Writings: Letter to John Adams, 1793
Reasoning is essential; arguing with those who reject it is futile like treating the dead.
In simple terms: Arguing with irrational people is pointless.
Key Takeaway
Focus on rational discourse.
Themes
reason
logic
communication
Mood
frustrated
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- debates
- political discourse
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
skepticism
rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you engage someone who dismisses reason?
- When is it better to walk away?
A Different Perspective
Even rational arguments can be ignored by entrenched beliefs.
![“Medication alone is not to be relied on. In one half the cases medicine is not needed, or is worse than useless. Obedience to spiritual and physical laws--hygeine [sic] of the body, and hygeine of the spirit--is the surest warrant for health and happiness.” quote by Harriot Kezia Hunt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf3/harriot-kezia-hunt-40137_body_medication-alone-is-not-to-be-relied-on_612415.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
