Mark Twain & The Disintegration of Discourse

"I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's."

"Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable."

"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."

Concerns like these of Mark Twain seem to be more poignant than ever. The public, yet private, nature of social media makes it easier for people turn to discourse into a game of gotcha and emotion.

My suggestion, do more of the following: work on your listening, writing, and editing abilities. Make sure you’ve asked yourself, is this logical, is it supported, what is influencing my opinion? We teach our kids logic and latin from a young age. I believe this is one reason that while our oldest are now teenagers and early-twenties we still have great relationships and discuss things. We taught them how to think and talk and listen. We all can learn from that.