If you argue with an idiot, will he beat you with experience? + Happy Hanukkah

In response to last week’s question, "If you argue with an idiot, will he beat you with experience?," my writing and sailing friend Rich cautioned, "Yes, in exactly the same way you will never win an argument with a five year old."  To this, my PR friend Stan concurred, "Every time. They’re all more experienced than I – even after all these years."  And my dad's beach buddy Bob added his political perspective, "Definitely if he is a Democrat or a socialist or both."

My temple friend Richard advised, "No, but he/she will wear you down because it will be like talking to a wall…but less satisfying.  In the Air Force, they will refer to those who are not too sharp by saying their “clue bag is empty.”  It is understood that there are 3 reasons why someone’s clue bag could be empty:

(1)   There is a hole in the bottom of their clue bag, so every time you provide them with useful information, it simply falls out.

(2)   Their clue bag is sealed, so they will not accept any information or insight you provide to them.

(3)   Finally, there is the most frustrating of all: Those who will allow you to fill their clue bag, but then will turn it over and dump the contents out. Those are the ones who are deliberately ignorant.

My social media friend Mark warned, "If you choose to pick a fight with a fool, halfwit, dunce, dolt, ignoramus, cretin, moron, imbecile, or a simpleton, you are perhaps one yourself, and you both will win that fight."

My sailing friend Kate shared, "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. - Proverbs 26:4."  To this, my cousin Valarie expounded, "Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him." I realize you're going for wit and levity, but these proverbs came immediately to mind so I'm sharing their wisdom. And yes, an idiot will beat you, at least in his own mind, so disengage immediately!"

And my equestrian friend Royce queried, "Is this a Freudian question with underlying insinuations of deviant sexual practices?"

Please share your thoughts about this week's "things that make you go 'Hmmm' “:

Should you borrow money from pessimists since they don't expect it back?  Paraphrased from Steven Wright

Live. Love. Learn. Laugh .. Lighten up!  

Hal

Happy Chanukah, Hanukkah and Hannukah.  While there are not 8 ways to transliterate the Hebrew to English, there are 8 days to celebrate religious freedom.    Religion be an inspiration and guidance for peace; because Chanukah is the observance of  winning a military battle for freedom of religion, it  is considered a minor Jewish holiday.  At the same time, it is cause for celebration and you are encouraged to celebrate by eating fried foods.  Huh?  Ask a Jewish friend if you want to know more.

And thanks to Demetri Martin, Steven Wright and George Carlin for the inspiration for Hmmm.  Stop by NicheLabs to see what else I'm up to.