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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author prefers discussing ideas and history over personal conflicts.
In plain terms
I like talking about ideas, not people fighting.
What can you take from it?
Focus on ideas rather than personal drama.

Where it applies

  • academic debate
  • political discussion
  • personal philosophy

Putting it to work

  • prioritize topics
  • avoid gossip
  • focus on substance

Questions to consider

  • Why do you dislike conflict?
  • Can ideas exist without people?

Another view

Sometimes understanding people is necessary to understand ideas.

More from James A. Garfield

  1. Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.

    Permalink to quote #11

  2. My God! What is there in this place that a man should ever want to get into it?

    Permalink to quote #13

  3. Few men in our history have ever obtained the Presidency by planning to obtain it.

    Permalink to quote #10

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