If you come at me with your fists doubled, I think I can promise you that mine will double as fast as yours; but if you come to me and say, 'let us sit down and take counsel together, and, if we differ from each other, understand why it is that we differ, just what the points at issue are,' we will presently find that we are not so far apart after all, that the points on which we differ are few and the points on which we agree are many, and that if we only have the patience and the candor, and the desire to get together, we will get together.

When we are right, let's try to win people tactfully and gently to our way of thinking; and when we are wrong-- and that will be surprisingly often, if we are honest with ourselves-- let's admit our mistakes quickly and with enthusiasm. Not only will that technique produce some astonishing results; but believe it or not, it is a lot more fun, under the circumstances, than trying to defend oneself.

By fighting, you never get enough. By yielding, you get more than you expected.

Any fool can try to defend his or her mistakes-- and most fools do-- but it raises one above the herd and gives one a feeling of nobility and exultation to admit ones mistakes.

There is a certain degree of satisfaction in having the courage to admit one's errors. It not only clears the air of guild and defensiveness, but often helps solve the problem created by the error.

I have found it of enormous value when I permit myself to understand the other person.

You will never get into any trouble by admitting that you are wrong. that will stop all argument and inspire your opponent to be just as fair and open and broad-minded as you are. It will make him want to admit that he, too, may be wrong.

A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.

There is only one way under high heaven to get the best of an argument-- that is to avoid it. Avoid it as you would rattlesnakes and earthquakes.

Why prove to a man that he is wrong? Is that going to make him like you? Why not let him save his face? he didn't ask for your opinion. He didn't want it. Why argue with him? Always avoid the acute angle.