Dont ever argue!

My dear Mol
That was a superb quote! Yes! Some people prove beyond an iota of doubt how dumb they are by their eloquent arguments! You have also brought out a very valid point about the distinction between assertiveness and being just argumentative. Many people think that by giving in to an argument would bring down their assertiveness by several notches. In their desperation to win an argument, they raise their voices, gesticulate wildly and cut a sorry figure generally.

When the argument is about a non-issue, tempers get frayed and friendships are lost. In arguments, the general theory is that the more trivial is the issue, the more damage is caused in relationships! I have seen people engaging in arguments on who is greater, Sharuk Khan or Aamir Khan with greater fervour than Adi Sankara and Mandana Misra debating on Advaitha and Purva Mimamsa!

Venda Mole! Avoid arguments as far as possible though a guy called Joseph Addison once said that 'Arguments out of a pretty mouth are unanswerable'!
Sri

 

Dear Cindhuja
To remain silent in the face of provocative statements or actions shows really the strength of a person's character. It is easy for everyone to add his share of fuel to a burning argument but only sane and mature people can keep away. It may be ridiculed as cowardice by immature people and they say so to drag you into the argument. But in the long run, you'll see that remaining silent pays richer dividend than being garrulous. My own mother is a great example and I have learned only from her the power of silence. My favourite deity is Dakshinamoorthi who is the God of Silence and the Guru of all Gurus.

I realise that our silence can be an irritant to people who argue for nothing. But over a period of time, when they get used to your silent nature, they'll start looking at you with respect. There is no need to despair about this excellent quality in you
Sri

 

Dear Mindi
If you can be assertive without arguing and raising your voice, you are truly blessed. Take it from me, very few can be that way. Most of us think that shouting is the only way to express our authority. Showing dissent can be done in a very dignified way. I remember how my gentle mum used to subdue me and my elder brother when we were kids with just a look. She is 95+ now but whenever she disapproves of any of our actions, she just lets us know through a gentle expression of dissent. If I am mild-mannered, I owe it to my mum completely.
Sri

 

Dear dg
You are indeed right. Things have changed in modern times. In the corporate world, arguments take place in an air-conditioned room. Words exchanged are more polite than in street brawls. Voices are not raised when people are in the losing end of the argument but the losers become more lethal than in street brawls. They get the loss in the argument firmly etched in their heart and when they get a chance to get even, they deliver a double blow.
In some respect, I prefer the street brawls than corporate tussles. In the former, when they are through with the argument, they just forget it and adjourn for a drink!
Sri

 

Dear Viji
Nice of you to dig out an old thread of mine and give a nice FB. That you are soft-spoken and that you never argue are evident from your FBs. I never see you getting into any controversies. No wonder you are so popular!
Incidentally my best wishes to you to reach the Hall of Fame very soon!
Sri