" The ancients listed definition as the tool to fall back on when the facts are against you, or when you lack a good grasp of them. If you want, you can harness definition to win an argument without using any facts at all. Facts and definitions are part of a larger overall strategy called stance. It was originally designed for defense, but it works offensively as well. Before you begin to argue, or when you find yourself under attack, take your stance: If facts work in your favor, use them. If they don’t (or you don’t know them), then… Redefine the terms instead. If that won’t work, accept your opponent’s facts and terms but… Argue that your opponent’s argument is less important than it seems. And if even that isn’t to your advantage… Claim the discussion is irrelevant. "

― Jay Heinrichs , Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion