Debate: Mentor for all
Debate: the art of arguing without using a myriad of profanity-laced language.
It often involves a great deal of hand-waving, objections and sense of formality. Debate is
generally encouraged in schools and sounds much more impressive than plain arguing.
Furthermore, it gives the debaters a chance to learn about both sides of the topic and for once
actually listen to someone when they’re speaking. This of course, is mainly due to the fact that
one will lose a significant amount of points if they cut their opponent off in the middle of their
speech. One of the best parts of debate is that one learns many life lessons in the course of it.
This article will summarize some of those lessons.
Cause and Effect
“Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
When one mentions cause and effect I immediately draw up a fond memory of a child
putting his hand on a stove and then immediately wincing in pain at the heat. This life lesson is
one of the first things that one learns when debating. If one attempts to make a joke while
debating, no one will laugh. This is primarily due to the formal environment there and the fact
that your opponents dislike you significantly during the debate. The second cause and effect
lesson is that if one talks out of turn, they will be shattered by the opposition and receive
approximately two glares and one gasp of exasperation. One quickly learns and starts to expect
their opponent’s refutations during a debate and this promotes them to take action in life in
order to succeed.
Open Mind
“An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worthwhile thought in it”- Unknown
I am a very stubborn person. While this could be a good quality, personally I deem it to
be a neutral quality. Our world is constantly changing and in order to continue to improve
society, we must keep up with its pace. As a human race, there are many things that we are
actually very ignorant on. This is mainly due to the fact that when we agree or disagree with a
topic, we often only look at one side of the argument. However, when one prepares for a debate,
one must research both sides of the topic and this makes us much more accepting to a new ideas.
Essentially, debate allows us to “agree to disagree” and helps individuals to keep a fresh mind
and think critically about issues facing our society.
Team Work
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”Henry Ford
One of the most amusing things that can happen in a team debate is when one member
contradicts the other member on a point. I, in fact try to push this onto them due to the fact that
it makes a debate’s result be very clear. Through the process of even going to a debate, a person
will very quickly learn just how important it is to collaborate with your partner(s), make sure
that your points fit together, and listen to each other. While this lesson can also be learned
elsewhere, debate makes it a necessary and vital one to learn, as one will be completely shattered
if they do indeed contradict or accidentally refute their opponent. This ties in with the other
important skill of listening and debate proves just how important it is not just listen to your
opponents but also to your partner.
All and all, debate teaches people both young and old many life lessons and is beneficial
for those who participate in it. Debating teaches people to think critically and view society in a
new perspective that is less tainted with bias. Now, if you disagree that debate teaches people
important life lessons, I would love to hear your reasons. On the other hand, if you agree, then
I’m glad that you’ve listened to mine.
-Frank Liu