msb@sq.uucp (Mark Brader) (01/23/89)
# I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradictions to the
# sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of my own.
# I even forbade myself the use of every word or expression in
# the language that imported a fixed opinion, such as "certainly",
# "undoubtedly", etc. I adopted instead of them "I conceive",
# "I apprehend", or "I imagine" a thing to be so or so; or
# "so it appears to me at present".
#
# When another asserted something that I thought an error, I
# denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly,
# and of showing him immediately some absurdity in his proposition.
# In answering I began by observing that in certain cases or
# circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present
# case there appeared or semed to me some difference, etc.
#
# I soon found the advantage of this change in my manner;
# the conversations I engaged in went on more pleasantly.
# The modest way in which I proposed my opinions procured them
# a readier reception and less contradiction. I had less
# mortification when I was found to be in the wrong, and I
# more easily prevailed with others to give up their mistakes
# and join with me when I happened to be in the right.
-- Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
I think he's right.
Mark Brader, SoftQuad Inc., Toronto
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