A classic guide to tricks and tactics for winning arguments, with commentary on the use of and defence against each tactic.
The best summary of this book is βbeing right doesnβt mean youβre gonna win, and this is whyβ. Itβs the ultimate guide to spotting the many different kinds of bullshit people pull in order to win over the crowd, rather than argue the point at hand. Thereβs very few of them that donβt immediately bring examples to mind, and having it laid out clearly like this is the perfect armour to stop people derailing you.
In the real world, people donβt win arguments based on whatβs correct. They win because they win over the crowd, or change the subject, or bully their rival, or 35 other causes. This guide will walk you through the various strategies that people use, with notes on usage and defence for each point.
Arthur didnβt intend this work as a guide for winning fights. Much like Machiavelliβs The Prince, this is a satire β a guide on what to watch out for in others and yourself, not a toolkit. If you canβt win your argument on fair grounds, you need to reconsider your position; but that doesnβt mean you should let people steal the day by underhand means. This book will teach you how to spot and spike them before they get a head of steam.