The Art of Arguing

“The Art of Arguing”

There is a certain art to making an effective argument. When faced with the task, many people clutch to the phrase “I believe.” While this phrase shows a sense of passion towards the topic, it also radiates a sense of unprofessionalism.

Arguments can be found around every corner but this commonality stops there. Entering an argument takes skill. One must be verbose and collected. Using “I” statements such as “I believe” takes away the power one posses. I can believe the sky is red but it does not make this an accurate statement. People will believe whatever they want. Sometimes we cannot face the truth so we believe in what we want to think. Arguing is strongest and most potent when backed up with facts, not beliefs. Lawyers’ jobs are based off this exact approach. They do not present the jury with half-cocked ideas; they spend numerous hours perfecting their argument to ensure it is exact. An occasional I believe may be thrown in in the closing argument but even then it does not entail as much power as the facts presented in the case. It is only a belief they hold.

Beliefs are similar to wives tales, they can be disproven. Many religions were based off of one person’s belief, but it did not mean they were factual. In the late 1800’s a man named George Hensley began a religion based on snakes. Him and his followers put their faith in snakes, believing they could heal and save. This example highlights the downfall of I believe.

My life philosophy is based on inner happiness. I believe if it does not hurt anyone else and makes me happy at the same time, there is no harm. This belief I have does not make this philosophy of happiness right or wrong, it makes it mine. We all have a unique philosophy on how we live our lives; there is no correct way to go about living. We are all here on this earth together, trying to figure out life as we go. The time we spend on earth is filled with all sorts of emotions, happiness, sadness, anger, being able to believe in something gives the world hope.

Beliefs are everywhere; beliefs in people, in religion, in facts, they surround our world. The ability to believe in what we want gives us freedom. We have the privilege to believe in lies or the truth. No matter what one believes in, it is his choice and joy.