smart ideas from books (mostly)
When people have good evidence and reason for a particular argument, they do not attack your person.
Do you know what they do?
They give their logic and proof!
When someone resorts to name-calling – you have won.
Honestly, I prefer to not even argue. Repeat things you agree on and add: “I think it’s also true that…”
This will get you further than any contentious debate ever will.
You never win an argument until they attack your person.
-Nassim Taleb, The Bed Of Procrustes
Maybe we all need a Promotor Fidei?
An advocate that looks to poke holes in whatever we are doing, in our arguments, and in our premises.
This seems like a good idea for critical thinking at least.
Honestly though, this might not be the best for art or starting something new in business, or what have you.
In my experience, planning, troubleshooting, and details are often used as an excuse to not begin.
Strategize, of course. But then get to work.
The practice dates back to 1587, when Pope Sixtus V instituted a new process for vetting candidates for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. He assigned a promotor fidei, or promoter of the faith, to oppose canonization by critically evaluating the character of candidates and challenging claims of miracles they had performed. The promoter of the faith argued against the advocatus Dei, God’s advocate, and became known as the devil’s advocate.
-Adam Grant, Originals
