“I always make it a rule to let the other fellow fire first. If a man wants to fight, I argue the question with him and try to show him how foolish it would be. If he can't be dissuaded, why then the fun begins but I always let him have first crack. Then when I fire, you see, I have the verdict of self-defence on my side. I know that he is pretty certain in his hurry, to miss. I never do.” IfsKnowsMenWantTryingFirstsSelfShowsWould BeCertainFightingFunSidesFireMissingFellowsArguingFoolishCracksDefenceVerdictSelf Defence Author:Ben Thompson
“Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinions, 'tis best to argue with judgments below our own, that the frequent spoils and victories over their reasons may settle in ourselves an esteem and confirmed opinion of our own.” MenMayReasonDesireOpinionVictoryJudgmentArgumentArguingEsteemSettlingContestsSpoil Author:Thomas Browne