Convincing others is the minor problem with argument; the major one is convincing yourself.
Feb 232018
Erring
Error is boundless.
Nor hope nor doubt,
Though both be groundless,
Will average out.
—Cunningham
Jan 102018
What you call hypocrisy I call hedging against the possibility that one’s beliefs are in error.
Jan 022018
Most of what we are told is better than nothing is in fact far worse.
Dec 282017
The crank cannot be refuted, only dismissed.
Dec 192017
Whatever the fanatic permits himself is a duty: whatever he denies himself is a crime.
Dec 112017
A belief no fact can sink no fact can float.
Dec 072017
The good cause that leads to bad outcomes may not be all that good a cause.
Dec 062017
A very few rigorous social processes — scientific method, trial by jury — converge on truth reliably. Argument is not among them.
Dec 012017
Intelligence, n. The ability to make more elaborate errors, with more plausible justifications.
Nov 092017
Someone who understands politics is about as likely to set up as a pundit as someone who can predict the future is to set up as a psychic.