Posted by Steven
on 6/2/2009, 13:35:20
76.187.98.74
I've been slowly reading through the Complete Works of Michel de Montaigne. The essay I came to last night entitled "Of the Art of Discussion" was especially timely in light of our recent postings about strong opinions and hurt feelings.
I realized that my approach to discussion of any sort has been shaped by 30 years of workplace committees and workgroups where the goal is to reach consensus and be as inclusive as possible. Montaigne asserts that consensus and sensitivity to bruised egos have no place in a free discussion of ideas.
I wish I could include the entire essay, but it is quite long. Here are a few passages (the translator is Donald Frame):
"The study of books is a languishing and feeble activity that gives no heat, whereas discussion teaches and exercises us at the same time. If I discuss with a strong mind and a stiff jouster, he presses on my flanks, prods me right and left; his ideas launch mine. Rivaly, glory, competition, push me and lift me above myself. And unison is an altogether boring quality in discussion...."
"So contradictions of opinions neither offend nor affect me; they merely arouse and exercise me. We flee from correction; we should face it and go to meet it, especially when it comes in the form of discussion, not ex cathedra. At every opposition we do not consider whether it is just, but, right or wrong, how we can get rid of it. Instead of stretching out our arms to it, we stretch out our claws.
"I could stand to be rudely jarred by my friends: 'You're a fool, you're dreaming.' I like to see people speak up bravely among gallant men, and to see the words go where the thought goes. We should strengthen and toughen our ears against this tenderness toward the ceremonious sound of words. I like a strong, manly fellowship and familiarity, a friendship that delights in the sharpness and vigor of its intercourse, as does love in bites and scratches that draw blood. It is not vigorous and generous enough if it is not quarrelsome, if it is civilized and artful, if it fears knocks and moves with contraint. For there can be no discussion without contradiction. [Cicero]..."
"In truth, I seek more the company of people who treat me roughly than that of those who fear me. It is an insipid and harmful pleasure to have to do with people who admire us and give way to us.... I feel much prouder of the victory I win over myself when, in the very heat of the battle, I make myself bow beneath the force of my adversary's reason, than I feel gratified by the victory I win over him through his weakness."
Montaigne moves on to say that, while discussions may lack agreement, they should still have order:
"I care little about the subject matter, opinions are all one to me, and I am almost indifferent about which opinion wins. I will argue peaceably a whole day if the debate is conducted with order. It is not so much strength and subtelty that I ask for as order...."
The essay rambles on to other topics, as Montaigne's essays usually do, during which he throws out another opinion which has nothing to do with discussions, but I quote it because I like it: "Every abridgment of a good book is a stupid abridgment."
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