I would love to hear what Richard Dawkins would say in reply to this quote.
Personally, I think it's great advice--challenging people immediately and directly is often not a good long-term strategy.
Dawkins, in arguments with theists, homeopaths, etc., is not trying to convince his interlocutors; nor are most of the other well-known atheist public figures. The aim to convince bystanders — the private atheist who is unsure whether to "come out", the theist who's all but lost his faith but isn't sure whether atheism is a position one may take publicly, the person who's lukewarm on religious arguments but has always had a rather benign and respectful view of religion, etc.
In private conversations with someone whose opinions are of concern to yo...
Another month has passed and here is a new rationality quotes thread. The usual rules are: