> > > To be as clear as possible: I assert that this argument is valuable, not > > because one or the other of us will become convinced of something by the > > other, but because our opinions and beliefs will become more sharply > > defined, and we will thus each achieve a deeper understanding of the > > subject. > > Hm. Precisely so. I'm sorry, did I somehow give an impression that I > disagreed with that? That is, we are each becoming convinced of _something_, > not necessarily by the _other_ -- the argument is resulting in just > that sharpening to which I've alluded earlier. > > pe A Tiassa, a Dragon, and a Yendi walk into a bar. At that moment, there happens to be only one barkeep to serve them. The Dragon, seeing the Tiassa, makes a comment knowing the Tiassa will be unable to resist remarking upon. The Tiassa responds, allowing the Dragon to riposte. The Yendi joins in simply for the fun of confounding the others, as well as to get his drink, (which was his plan all along). Opinions are exchanged, and voices are raised, but eventually everyone speaks his mind and gets a drink. The Yendi finishes his drink, compliments his host, and walks to the door, as do the Tiassa and the Dragon. They reach the door, where upon they each insist the other go first. . . Jeff