Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Many, many years ago, someone penned the fallacies of argument. This is a great work, describing debate and the ways debate is sidetracked. Anyone might do well to read the work as a great deal may be learned from meaningful debate.

One of the fallacies mentioned is “argumentum ad hominem” or “argument against the man.” For instance Joe states the world is round. Fred states Joe is an atheist, therefore the world is not round. An extreme example, but the argument style is used everyday to derail valid discussion.

An example could be Tim. Tim is brilliant and a gifted businessman. Over the years I saw Tim build three very successful businesses. Tim also had a weakness for drink. In every case, once the challenge of building the business was over, Tim would basically drink it away. He would then set about to build it all again.

Eventually Tim’s age caught up with him and he was no longer able to start again. He is now a shadow of his former self. My point is, many would argue, advise from this man is worthless, because of the way his life has turned out. I disagree and find Tim a wonderful resource. Every couple of months, he will stop by and we have lunch. Normally he will borrow a few bucks, always promising to pay it back.

Though he has never returned any money, I feel I have been paid back, many times over. His advise has helped me on many occasions. Wisdom is not limited to the currently successful, and we all fall short of glory in the eyes of God. Perhaps wisdom is where I find it and it is easiest to find if I keep an open mind?

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA