Charles Olson Quotes

He who is silent must be agreed with, for what shall the wings of opposition thresh upon, without the winds of conversation to shoulder them.

Discussion in America means dissent.

When two or more people agree on an issue, I form on the other side.

I wouldn't want to debate me every day.

I hate people who say 'Just to play devil's advocate.'

I am used to controversies.

I am something of a contrarian, I suppose. I feel less comfortable when everybody agrees with me. I say, 'I better reexamine my position!' I probably believe that the worst opinions in my court have been unanimous. Because there's nobody on the other side pointing out all the flaws.

I was born to argue... I don't know why. I mean, from arguing with my teachers and, on occasions, my parents. I think I've mastered the art of argument at a fairly young age.

I like disagreement because it forces both sides to question their own opinions and why they feel that way.

My people were divided about surrendering.

There's always merit to having a debate.

I mean, I'm not a contrarian.

If you don't agree, present what you think is a better way.

Writers should provoke disagreement.

I had hoped you would protest, but please don't argue.

I never learned from a man who agreed with me.

Controversy is only dreaded by the advocates of error.

It is in this area Winston, that there is likely to be some disagreement between you and me.

An enemy will agree, but a friend will argue.

I can't force people to agree with me.

I love to argue. I've always loved to argue. And I love to point out the weaknesses of the opposing arguments. It may well be that I'm something of a shin kicker. It may well be that I'm something of a contrarian.

I hate consensus. I like confrontation.

Some people you struggle to argue with - they've got a lot of strong backing to what they say and what they do.

My old man used to say that I would argue the hind leg of a donkey. If I didn't agree with something, I wasn't prepared to accept it.

No man thoroughly understands a truth until he has contended against it.