Bullets Made Out Of Words

I would rather end a dispute with words than with fists. Well I bet I could take on anybody who is willing to mess with me (not really) but just thinking of the physical effort I'd have to endure, it's not worth it. Jay Heinrichs explains how arguing is much more easier and practical than fighting in the second chapter of Thank You For Arguing. His use and instruction of rhetoric shows how persuasion helps create an agreement to settle a dispute. Change of mind set, mood and willingness of the opposition helps achieve your goal in the argument without the necessity of changing his face...with your fists...or going to jail. "The basic difference between an argument and a fight: an argument, done skillfully, gets people to want to do what you want. You fight to win; you argue to achieve agreement." (Heinrichs 17). Heinrichs examples rhetoric in argument in today's society clarifies how to successfully pull this through. Such as "couples who stayed married seemed to use their disputes to solve problems and works out differences rather than the doomed couples who attacked each other." (Heinrichs 16). Now imagine if all the world would end its disputes with arguments. No more fighting, just exchange of words instead of bullets. These months and the next to come are very significant for Colombia as they are having their first-time-ever peace talks with Las FARCs. Finally after decades of fighting, men have come to reason to throw down their weapons and start agreeing.

Colombia's government's use of rhetoric might be very crucial to en this dispute with things leaning into their favor. They might have a better understanding in rhetoric which might give them the upper hand when winning the battle over agreements. "To win a deliberate argument  don't try to outscore your opponent. Try instead to get your way." (Heinrichs 19). Las FARCs might get somethings that they want, but the government must ultimately get more in favor. Mood, mind and willingness are critical to get your priorities from the opposition. There's a long way to the end of these peace talks but an agreement and an end to disputes would mean everything for the country and continent. The best thing to do right now is to send the government a copy of this book and wait.