Assertion is not argument; to contradict the statement of an opponent is not proof that you are correct.
Interpretation
Simply stating an opposing view does not constitute a logical argument or proof of correctness.
This quote by Samuel Johnson emphasizes the importance of reasoned argument over mere assertion. It highlights that simply disagreeing with someone does not validate one's own perspective; true justification lies in providing logical support for one's claims rather than merely contradicting others without evidence or reasoning.
In practice
This quote can be used in a debate to emphasize the need for evidence rather than just contradicting an opponent.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
When your toil has been a pleasure, you have not earned money merely, but money, health, delight, and moral profit, all in one.
If you are insulted, if you are accused, if they gossip about you, don't say anything bad. Don't be the one who sees the shame, be the one who corrects it.
Ask yourself: if I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn't I have flown directly into Beijing? I could be living in a palace petting a phoenix by now.
The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss.
The intellectual attainments of a man who thinks for himself resemble a fine painting, where the light and shade are correct, the tone sustained, the colour perfectly harmonised; it is true to life. On the other hand, the intellectual attainments of the mere man of learning are like a large palette, full of all sorts of colours, which at most are systematically arranged, but devoid of harmony, connection and meaning.
I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.
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