“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself.”
~Galileo
Human Relations Principle #11: Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never tell a person he or she is wrong.
(“A sure way to making enemies—and how to avoid it.”)
(This is the eleventh in a series of articles where I will encapsulate each of Dale Carnegie’s timeless, life-changing principles for dealing with people. (Adapted from How to Win Friends and Influence People.))*
“One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing.” ~Socrates
Use a little diplomacy. Don’t argue with your customer or your spouse or your adversary. Don’t tell them they are wrong, don’t get them stirred up.
“Agree with thine adversary quickly.” ~Jesus
You will never get into trouble by admitting that you may be wrong. That will stop all argument and inspire your opponent to be just as fair and open and broad-minded as you are. It will make him want to admit that he, too, may be wrong.
“Men must be taught as if you taught them not;
And things unknown proposed as things forgot.”
~Alexander Pope
How Ben Franklin conquered his habit of arguing
(excerpts from Ben Franklin’s Autobiography)
Ben Franklin tells how he conquered the iniquitous habit of argument and transformed himself into one of the most able, suave and diplomatic men in American history. Read more