Argument Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“Never [enter] into dispute or argument with another. I never yet saw an instance of one of two disputants convincing the other by argument. I have seen many on their getting warm, becoming rude and shooting one another.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a2/thomas-jefferson-43_argument_never-enter-into-dispute-or-argument-wit_284944.jpg)
“Never [enter] into dispute or argument with another. I never yet saw an instance of one of two disputants convincing the other by argument. I have seen many on their getting warm, becoming rude and shooting one another.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Unknown correspondence, 18th century
Argument rarely changes minds; it often escalates hostility and entrenches positions.
In simple terms: Arguments seldom persuade, they inflame.
Key Takeaway
Seek dialogue over confrontation.
Themes
communication
conflict
persuasion
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- family disagreement
- workplace conflict
- negotiation
Key Concepts
rhetoric
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When can constructive argument lead to resolution?
- How to de‑escalate heated discussions?
A Different Perspective
May overlook situations where reasoned debate is effective.
![“...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)
![“[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)
