--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I never saw an instance of one or two…" description: "\"I never saw an instance of one or two disputants convincing the other by argument.\" — Thomas Jefferson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09d/thomas-jefferson-43_argument_i-never-saw-an-instance-of-one-or-two-di_2159316.jpg" --- # I never saw an instance of one or two disputants… ![“I never saw an instance of one or two disputants convincing the other by argument.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09d/thomas-jefferson-43_argument_i-never-saw-an-instance-of-one-or-two-di_2159316.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09d/thomas-jefferson-43_argument_i-never-saw-an-instance-of-one-or-two-di_2159316.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09d/thomas-jefferson-43_argument_i-never-saw-an-instance-of-one-or-two-di_2159316.jpg) > “I never saw an instance of one or two disputants convincing the other by argument.” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Arguments rarely change minds; persuasion often relies on other influences beyond logic. **In simple terms:** Logic alone rarely convinces. Key Takeaway Seek alternative persuasive methods. Themes communication logic influence Mood analytical reflective Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - debates - negotiations - public policy - education Key Concepts philosophy political theory Questions to Reflect On - What non‑logical factors sway opinions? - When is logical reasoning most effective? A Different Perspective Rational arguments still have value. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Convincing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/convincing/) [Convincing Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/convincing-argument-1327314/) [Disputants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disputants-4466887/) [Disputants Convincing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disputants-convincing-4575017/) [Instance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instance/) [Saws](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/saws/) [Two](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/two/) ## Related quotes > [At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-douglass/at-a-time-like-this-scorching-irony-not-convincing-argument-is-needed/) [Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-douglass/) > [ Never \[enter\] into dispute or argument with another. I never yet saw an instance of one of two disputants convincing the other by argument.… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/never-enter-into-dispute-or-argument-with-another-i-never-yet-saw-an/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I'm in favor of any form of sexual relationship that gives pleasure to those involved. And I have never heard a convincing argument to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gore-vidal/i-m-in-favor-of-any-form-of-sexual-relationship-that-gives-pleasure/) [Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gore-vidal/) > [It's a powerful instrument, dynamite -- nothing like it for a convincing argument!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonid-andreyev/it-s-a-powerful-instrument-dynamite-nothing-like-it-for-a-convincing/) [Leonid Andreyev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonid-andreyev/) > [There is no such thing as a convincing argument, although every man thinks he has one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/e-w-howe/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-convincing-argument-although-every-man/) [E. W. 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But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-the-people-are-afraid-of-the-government-that-s-tyranny-but-when/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident-that-all-men-are-created/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More Argument quotes > [A flourishing, morally credible media is a vital component in the maintenance of genuinely public talk, argument about common good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rowan-williams/a-flourishing-morally-credible-media-is-a-vital-component-in-the/) [Rowan Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rowan-williams/) > [Preaching to the choir actually arms the choir with arguments and elevates the choir's discourse. 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