(no subject)

[fictional]

I wonder sometimes if all my interpersonal problems can be addressed through academia. Have just spent a few hours reading Lorenzo Valla's De Falso Credita et Ementita Constantini Donatione Declamatio and have been thinking about the difference between rhetoric and dialectic.
If rhetoric is persuadability, on whatever front, and dialectic is the emendation of knowledge - then perhaps, my failure is that of rhetoric - I argue people into a corner, but fail somehow to persuade them of my inherent rightness? They are left without a leg to stand on, but somehow, they still don't believe what I am saying?

Although, my father shares this characteristic with me, and his rhetoric is generally just as overpowering as his arguement - and yet still, while my mouth may be stopped, to be convinced is something else entirely.

In other news, have picked up Elizabeth Hand's Mortal Love from the library, and am happy. Or will be, when I get a quiet space of time to sit and read a bit. I think it will suit my kinks down to the ground. (Thanks to patashoqua for the rec.)