If he wants information, he will ask it, and then I will
give it in measured terms; but if he still believes his own story, and
shows a desire to dispute the fact with me, I hear him, and say nothing.
It is his affair, not mine, if he prefers error. There are two classes
of disputants most frequently to be met with among us. The first is of
young students, just entered the threshold of science, with a first view
of its outlines, not yet filled up with the details and modifications
which a further progress would bring to their knowledge. The other
consists of the ill-tempered and rude men in society, who have taken up
a passion for politics. (Good humor and politeness never introduce
into mixed society a question on which they foresee there will be a
difference of opinion.) From both of those classes of disputants, my
dear Jefferson, keep aloof, as you would from the infected subjects of
yellow fever or pestilence. Consider yourself, when with them, as among
the patients of Bedlam, needing medical more than moral counsel. Be
a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish with
yourself the habit of silence, especially on politics. In the fevered
state of our country, no good can ever result from any attempt to set
one of these fiery zealots to rights, either in fact or principle. They
are determined as to the facts they will believe, and the opinions on
which they will act.
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