50 Arguing With A Fool Quotes For Saving Time

By Clifton Sankofa | Published October 23, 2023

Save time and energy with our arguing with a fool quotes.

Arguing with a fool is one of humanity’s most beloved pastimes.

Over the generations, we have perfected arguing with fools.

Learn more about a hilariously ironic tradition with our arguing with a fool quotes.

Below are some crucial factors to remember when arguing with anyone:

Arguing with a fool brings you to the same level.
Irrational people have no interest in incorporating reason.
Most foolish people wish to get their cynicism and ignorance out.

Why do people argue with fools?

People are passionate about things that matter to them, but they also enjoy showcasing what they know.

At best, we argue with fools because we want to educate or share information.

At worst, we argue with fools because our egos get the best of us.

What does it mean to argue with a fool?

Scott Dikkers is best known for founding The Onion, but he is also a writer, comedian, and public speaker.

He compared arguing with a fool to playing chess with a pigeon, noting:

“No matter how good you are, the bird is going to knock over the pieces, crap on the board, and strut around like it’s victorious.”

To argue with a fool means to take time debating someone who is not knowledgeable about a topic.

The problem with arguing with fools is that even if you present a valid and more comprehensive idea, a fool will not acknowledge your efforts.

Who first said never to argue with a fool?

This idea of not arguing with a fool was made popular through several Biblical verses and parables.

Christ famously encouraged people never to cast their pearls before swine, meaning sharing your wisdom with those who cannot appreciate it is not a good idea.

Mark Twain is credited for making the following remark:

“Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”

While no credible source has presented itself to confirm this quote, it still carries plenty of conventional wisdom.

To learn more, check out our arguing with a fool quotes.

Short arguing with a fool quotes from the media

We start with some of the oldest known published arguing with a fool quotes from a variety of newspapers, magazines, and journals.

1. “Don’t argue with a fool, or the listeners will say there is a pair of you.” — Lyon County Times, 1878

2. “When you argue with a fool, be sure he isn’t similarly occupied.” — The San Francisco Examiner, 1930

3. “Never argue with a fool in public lest the public not know which is which.” — Fremont Ohio Newspaper, 1938

4. “When you argue with a fool, be sure he isn’t similarly engaged.” — Evan Esar, Esar’s Comic Dictionary, 1943

5. “Don’t argue with a fool, or the listener will say there is a pair of you.” — The Rochester Evening Express, 1878

6. “Don’t argue with a fool, or listeners will say there are two of you.” — The Leicester Chronicle & Leicestershire Mercury, 1886

7. “Never argue with a fool, an exchange advises. But if you must, the safest way is to carry on the debate with yourself.” — Nebraska Newspaper, 1937

8. “Arguing with a fool shows that there are two.” — Lykens Register, 1896

9. “Never argue with a fool. Bystanders can’t tell which is which.” — Jackson Mississippi Newspaper, 1954

10. “Don’t argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” — New Oxford Newspaper, 1966

The top arguing with a fool quotes addressing the meaning of the phrase

These quotes give context to the advice regarding arguing with fools.

10. “You can’t win an argument with a foolish person, but you can educate them.” – Amit Kalantri

11. “Arguing with a fool is like trying to teach a fish how to climb a tree.” — Albert Einstein

12. “It isn’t smart to argue with a fool; listeners can’t tell which is which.” — Duncannon Record, 1951

13. “You will never win an argument with a fool, because he only listens to his own voice.” – Shannon L. Alder

14. “Arguing with a fool is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter how good you are, the bird is going to knock over the pieces, crap on the board, and strut around like it’s victorious.” – Scott Dikkers

15. “Arguing with a fool is like trying to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and it annoys the pig.” – Robert Heinlein

16. “Never argue with a fool. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.” – George Carlin

17. “Never waste your time arguing with a fool.” – Paulo Coelho

18. “Arguing with a fool only proves that there are two.” – Doris M. Smith

19. “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves that he not be wise in his own eyes.” — Proverbs, 26:4-5

20. “To argue with a fool means you’ll be forced to think and act like them.” — Mindblood

The best arguing with a fool proves there are two quotes

Some say it is foolish to reduce your message to an argument.

21. “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” – Benjamin Franklin

22. “The greatest fools are ofttimes more clever than the men who laugh at them.” – George R.R. Martin

23. “Arguing with a fool is similar to running in the streets naked chasing a naughty friend.” — Mindblood

24. “A wise man fights to win, but he is twice a fool who has no plan for possible defeat.” – Louis L’Amour

25. “The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.” – Sir Winston Churchill

26. “Many a good argument is ruined by some fool who knows what he is talking about.” – Marshall McLuhan

27. “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.” – Plato

28. “Nothing is to be gained by arguing with fools.” – Dr T.P. Chia

29. “Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.” – Benjamin Franklin

30. “Don’t argue with fools, because people from a distance can’t tell who is who.” – Jay-Z

Famous arguing with a fool quotes to avoid getting dragged down

Arguing with a fool brings you to their level.

31. “Arguments are to be avoided; they are always vulgar and often convincing.” – Oscar Wilde

32. “The volume of your voice does not increase the validity of your argument.” – Steve Maraboli

33. “I hate how after an argument I think of more clever things I should have said.” – Mirtunjay Upadhyay

34. “If you find yourself in an argument with a fool, it’s prudent you just stop and walk away.” — Mindblood

35. “Why would you spend your time, energy, resources, and your peace of mind trying to have an argument with a blatant fool, who, at best, is hell-bent on refusing to see reason?” — Miss Korang

36. “We may convince others by our arguments, but we can only persuade them by their own.” – Joseph Joubert

37. “Do not argue with a fool, else people might not know the difference,” “I’d often hear my father say.” — Miss Korang

38. “Don’t take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.” – Baltasar Gracian

39. “Do not argue with a fool.” — Miss Korang

40. “Immediately you start arguing with a fool, you’ve already lost.” — Mindblood

Arguing with a fool quotes and sayings to live by

We close our list with these practical quotes about why you should never argue with a fool.

41. “Arguing with a fool is much like throwing your precious pearls to pigs!” — Miss Korang

42. “I dare say they never argue with a fool quote is one of my father’s favorite quotes.” — Miss Korang

43. “Recognizing a fool is a bold step toward saving you an argument with such people and walking away.” — Mindblood

44. “Nothing is to be gained by arguing with fools; it makes you look bad, kind of like guilty by association.” — Miss Korang

45. “You can disagree without saying anything. Not needing to win trivial arguments saves you time, energy, and friends.” – Shane Parrish

46. “Don’t argue with a fool, or listeners will think there are two of you. We thought of dissenting from this proposition and showing its falsity, but the more we think of it, come to think, we won’t.” — The Daily Graphic, 1878

47. “I never argue with a fool because fools waste time.” — RZA

48. “Arguing with a fool most definitely makes you another fool.” — Mindblood

49. “Spending time arguing with a fool is akin to running in the street naked, in pursuit of a silly friend; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” — Miss Korang

50. “Inexperienced candidates for office should bear in mind that when you argue with a fool, he’s doing the same thing. When sharp barbs are being hurled, however, there is tendency to forget that arguing with a fool is foolish.” — Sioux Falls Newspaper, 1930