When another asserted something that I thought an error, I deny’d myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition: and in answering I gean by observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present case there appear’d or seem’d to me some difference, etc. I soon found the advantage of this change in my manner; the conversations I engag’d went on more pleasantly.

The modest way in which I propos’d my opinions procur’d them a readier reception and less contradiction; I had less mortificatio when I was found to be in the wrong, and I more easily prevail’d with others to give up their mistakes and join with me when I happened to be in the right.

-Benjamin Franklin, Principle 2, How to Win Friends and Influence People, p.157