A writer-editor-teacher’s quote of the week 207

Conceding some territory to your opponent is always a good idea. N0 position is 100 percent right or 100 percent wrong; we are all sinners fumbling in the dark. Conceding that your opponent may have a point here or there will not weaken your defenses. If nothing else, this tactic tends to disarm the other side. Absolute positions that refuse to yield an inch create absolute oppositions that are equally stubborn. Surprise your readers. Be reasonable, be understanding, be sympathetic to their concerns, and then when their defenses are down, zap them with logic and club them to death with facts!

– from the section “Refute! Reply! Fight Back!” in the chapter “Arguing Your Case” in Sin Boldly!: Dr. Dave’s Guide to Writing the College Paper by David R. Williams, PhD

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