Letter 241 July 18 1981
Dear A & H; L & E; Meg, Bob & Adam; Fred; Kathy; Ellen; David; Daniel, (1) AN UNUSUAL FALLACY (The fact may be true; the logical proof is shaky.) I love you. / Therefore I am a lover; All the world loves a lover; You are all the world to me – Consequently, You love me. (2) AN INTERESTING PARADOX All words may be divided into two classes: autological and heterological. Autological words are those which themselves possess the property they designate. For example: The word SHORT is an autological word because it is short in size. It consists of five letters only. On the other hand heterological words are those which do not themselves possess the property they designate. For example: The word LONG is a heterological word for it is not long (only four letters). The Question: Take the word HETEROLOGICAL. Is it an autological word or an heterological word? (3) WINNING AN ARGUMENT (a) The essence of defensive argument is simple. Assume everyone is out to get you. (b) If an opposer is very attached to a position and you are not, back off. It’s not worth it. (c) Never admit defeat unless you are absolutely convinced and even then keep your mouth shut AND WAIT TILL MONDAY. (4) SUGGESTION FOR AN ARGUER Never make a general statement stronger then you need to – you may be forced to retract. Affectionately, Daddy / Papa
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