In this delightful little essay, Schopenhauer analyzes a series of tricks that can help someone prevail in a debate regardless of whether they are right or wrong, and independently of the substance of the issue.

The sophistries and deceptive methods that the great philosopher brazenly proposes often elicit a smile from the reader. However, upon reaching the conclusion of the text, one realizes that what preceded seems, ultimately, more like an exercise in irony and is meant to serve as a warning: "Hardly one in a hundred people is worthy of debating with. Let the others say whatever they want – after all, everyone has a right to foolishness."