Art of giving up, and winning, an argument
George Bernard Shaw and GK Chesterton were both literary giants and sworn enemies. One day, both came across each other in a London alley through which only one could pass and if two were to pass, it would not be without causing some discomfort. Legend has it that when both came face to face, Chesterton ridiculed, “I don’t give way to fools.” Shaw smiled and whispered, “But I do.”
Life is a narrow alley where inevitably one comes across people and situations that may not be favourable or according to one’s inclination. At times, a simple discussion can turn into a heated argument, leading to an unsavoury situation. In situations such as these, one needs to regain one’s composure, take a deep breath and surrender. To some, this may seem an escape route and to others it could mean losing one’s prestige, but this is the only way out of the mire.
Wise men and women have found it prudent to give up an argument whenever the situation seems to be getting out of control. The golden rule is if you consider the relation to be an important one, then why argue and if you feel the relation is not important, then, why argue?
Statesmen and politicians are known for their witty retorts and giving up an argument with a clever one-liner whenever they sense the situation is going out of hand. Winston Churchill, the former British prime minister, is known for the legacy of his wit and humour in rendering his opponents speechless. Lady Nancy Astor, a member of Parliament, once remarked agitatedly, “Winston, if you were my husband, I’d put poison in your coffee”. Winston calmly replied, “Nancy, if you were my wife, I’d drink it.” Such is the power of abandoning an argument!
The whole point of a healthy argument is to win over your opponent by employing skills of persuasion. However, most orators nowadays focus on winning an argument rather than the opponent. Hence, most debates and discussions on television and social media end up turning into a battleground with each participant trying to pitch in with the loudest and the most derogatory remarks.
Experts believe that no one has ever been able to win an argument by humiliating his opponent or by raising his voice. There are only two ways to win an argument: Either you listen to your opponent, agree to his viewpoint and surrender or rest your case with a witty remark, reduce your opponent to nothing and surrender! It is never advisable to continue arguing because arguing with a fool proves there are two.
A perfect example of a case in argument, when wit counters wit, is an exchange of repartees between Shaw and Churchill. Shaw sent two tickets of the opening night of his play to Churchill with a note that said, “Have two tickets for the opening night. Bring a friend, if you have one.” Churchill sent back his compliments along with a note, “Impossible to come to the first night. Will come to the second night, if you have one.” Touché!
MOST ORATORS NOWADAYS FOCUS ON WINNING AN ARGUMENT RATHER THAN THE OPPONENT