Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Word: Eristic



eristic

[e-ris-tik]

adjective
1. Also, eristical. pertaining to controversy or disputation; controversial.
noun
2. a person who engages in disputation; controversialist.
3. the art of disputation.


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               “So, college, huh?” Peter said, looking over his younger brother’s shoulder.
                “Yup.” Mike replied as he continued filling out the application.
                “That’s cool.  College can be pretty awesome if you really take advantage of it.”
                “So I’ve heard.”
                “So, what’re you going into?”
                “I think biology for now.  Probably genetic studies as either a minor or a double major.  I’m not sure about that yet.”
                Peter let out a low whistle.  “That’s some pretty heavy stuff.  What’re you planning on being after college?”
                “I’m going to try and enter into stem cell research for medical science.”
                Peter took in a quick breath through clenched teeth.  “Are you sure about that?”
                “Yup.  It’s a world changing field that’s the future of medicine.”
                “Yeah, I know that.  But are you really, really sure?”
                Mike swiveled around in the chair to look at his brother skeptically, “Yes, I’m sure.  Why?”
                “Well, for one thing, how will you pay for it?  I mean, it’s not like Mom and Dad will.  And that’s if they let you go for that at all.”
                “Mom and Dad won’t say anything.”
                “Really?  Mike, you’re a smart guy.  Think about it.  Do you really think our parents, our bible thumping, anti-vaccine, anti-abortion parents will really approve of you going into stem cell research.”
                “No, of course not.  They hate the very idea of it.”
                “Exactly.  So, what do you think they’ll say when they find out their own son is entering something they consider the devil’s work?”
                “Oh they’ll be furious.  They’ll probably ban me from any form of education, and probably take away all forms of electronic devices from me.”
                “Uh huh, and that’s if they’re in a good mood when you tell them.  So what makes you think they’ll let you do this?”
                “They won’t.  But that’s only if they find out.”
                “Oh?”
                “Who said I was going to tell them what my ultimate goal is?” Mike said with a confident smile. 
                “Do tell.” Peter leaned against a nearby wall and crossed his arms, waiting to hear his brother’s plan.
                “I’m not going to tell them my goal.  I’m going to tell them I want to be a doctor.  It’s not even a lie, since I’ll be getting my doctorate at some point.  Just because they’ll be thinking a medical doctor is in no way my fault.”
                “Yet you’re not going into pre-med, which will be a bit tip off, even for our folks.”
                “Do you really think they know the college process?  Dad never went to college and Mom went to some bible college.  They have no idea how the rest of the world does things.  I just have to tell them that bio is something that all doctors have to major in before they can get into the medical program.  You know, like a really long, drawn out prerequisite.  Knowing them, they’ll believe it and be fine with it.”
                Peter thought about that for a moment.  “I’m not sure it’ll work out as well as you think it will.  You might be underestimating what Mom and Dad know.”
                “Don’t worry, I have a backup plan.”
                “Which is?”
                “Get a job to pay for it myself and apply anyway.  They might be able to take away my stuff, but they can’t keep me away from the library and a job, now can they?”
                Peter broke out into a wide grin.  “No, no they cannot.”
                “See?  It’ll all work out. I’ll just have to deal with not being invited to any family gatherings, and you know how I feel about those.”
                “I don’t know, there might be some things you miss out on.  Like the reactions everyone else has to your demon major.”
                “You’ll just have to take pictures then, won’t you?”
                “I’ll do my best.  Now, get back to work.  And don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.”
                He meant it to.  After all, this was too good to just go on and blab about.  He was already looking forward to posting the reaction videos online.   
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You will always do something that will make someone else mad.  You might not know who the person you're angering is, and they might not know you, but someone, somewhere is mad at you, or would be if they knew you.  The best thing you can do is either ignore the person or just learn to deal with it. You can try arguing, but that doesn't always work very well, depending on who you're making mad.

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