arthur schopenhauer wrote this piece titled the art of controversy, by which he meant “controversial dialectic”, or the art of disputing. it is a whole slew of semi tongue in cheek rules on how to argue effectively. particularly useful sections include: 15) use seemingly absurd propositions. 38) become personal, insulting, and rude. and the classic 36) bewilder your opponent by mere bombast. are politicians required to memorize this in politico training school or something?