Before I will discuss a topic of potential debate with you, please read the following and sign at the bottom:
- I pledge to initially assume baseline levels of both intelligence and kindness in Johnny. If he’s debating a position, it’s because he thinks it’s one that improves humanity. He can be wrong, but he isn’t foolish nor evil.
- I pledge to change my opinion if I cannot find sufficient arguments in its favor to counter the ones opposed to it.
- If I cannot counter the arguments against my position but still don’t want to change it, I will, at the minimum, clearly and specifically articulate the information that would make me change it, if such information was provided. In this case, I agree to cheerfully table the discussion until such information is provided.
Sincerely,
The Opportunity Machine 