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The quote is not of Asimov, but of Alan Alda:

https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/12/27/windows/

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Thanks, will take a look. Quotes are very often misattributed but we try to get it right.

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It’s an interesting one! We might judge others to be facters and sometimes be facters ourselves. It’s great to be self aware and self critical. I will pay attention in the future to avoid that pitfall. Sometimes passion can fuel the facter!

Additionally facters as described in this article seems to use a technic which looks like a sophism. A clever but false argument. Fascinating to observe!

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Thanks, Sophie. I immediately thought of someone who acts as a fast facter. I don't know if purposefully. But of course, maybe I am one and I don't know? Although considering that I naturally stop and try to think of all sides before conceding the argument or throwing in all my facts, and that I allow others time to refect, probably I'm on safe ground most of the time...

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This is an old video but demonstrates the concept very well.

https://youtu.be/Iqq1roF4C8s

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Fast facters also aim their guns at us with 'truths' in emails that are "full of the sound and fury" but often signifying nothing. Investigating the email 'truths' is relatively easy and time is on your side. I always try to respond to the unsuspecting individual who forwarded one of these missives in a kind and enlightening way.

I've also been confronted by fast facters. As an introvert, I simply cannot be the snappy responder (and my brain tells me that's not a good idea, anyway). Thank you for your suggestion to dig deeper by asking questions or circling back after doing some research. Your idea made a difference for me today.

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Thanks Heather, I think there is a big introvert/extrovert dynamic in this practice. Appreciate you pointing it out.

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Often, there's power in saying: "That's interesting. Let me look into it and come back to you.”

Nice one- It never struck me that you don't have to end the argument then and there; you can always say I'll come back. but won't that prolong most arguments?

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