As the sun slipped below the horizon, obeying its decision to leave my side of the world in darkness, my thoughts drifted toward a question I have been pondering for some time. As I extinguished the last artificial light that illuminated my path to restful sleep, the outline of an argument— one that might persuade the undecided of the need to stand and defend our democracy—became clear to me.

If you are comfortably seated, a few minutes might suffice to present my case.

In 1858, a period of considerable discord in our country, Oliver Wendell Holmes penned a series of essays reflecting on the need for polite and structured arguments. Excerpts from The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table remind us of the elements that must be included if we hope to persuade an adversary.

We must refrain from

See Full Page