Stratagem 21
Original German
Bei einem bloß scheinbaren oder sophistischen Argument des Gegners, welches wir durchschauen, können wir zwar es auflösen durch Auseinandersetzung seiner Verfänglichkeit und Scheinbarkeit; allein besser ist es, ihm mit einem eben so scheinbaren und sophistischen Gegenargument zu begegnen und so abzufertigen. Denn es kommt ja nicht auf die Wahrheit, sondern den Sieg an. Giebt er z. B. ein argumentum ad hominem, so ist es hinreichend es durch ein Gegenargument ad hominem (ex concessis) zu entkräftigen: und überhaupt ist es kürzer, statt einer langen Auseinandersetzung der wahren Beschaffenheit der Sache, ein argumentum ad hominem zu geben, wenn es sich darbietet.
Musean translation
Machine-assisted, directly from Deussen’s German edition (1923).
When the opponent presents a merely apparent or sophistical argument that we see through, we can certainly dismantle it by explaining its deceptive and specious character. It is better, however, to meet it with an equally specious and sophistical counterargument and so dispose of him. For truth is not the concern: victory is. If, for example, he gives an argument ad hominem, it is enough to weaken it with a counterargument ad hominem, ex concessis. In general, it is shorter to give an argument ad hominem, when one presents itself, than to explain the true nature of the matter at length.
Plain English translation
Machine-assisted, independently translated directly from Deussen’s German edition (1923).
If we see through an opponent's misleading or sophistical argument, we could dismantle it by explaining its deceptive appearance. But it is better to answer with an equally misleading, sophistical counterargument and dispose of it that way. Winning, not truth, is what matters. If they argue from what we have accepted, it is enough to counter with an argument from what they have accepted. In general, when an argument based on the opponent's own position is available, it is quicker to use it than to give a long explanation of the actual facts.
About this section
Stratagem 21 is part of The Art of Being Right by Arthur Schopenhauer. This page sets the German original beside 2 direct-source translations, so any line can be checked against the source. It is section 26 of 43 in the work, which is kept in the European tradition.
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