I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of my own. I even forbid myself the use of every word or expression in the language that imported a fixed opinion; such as certainly, undoubtedly, etc. I adopted instead of them, I conceived, I apprehend or I imagine a thing to be so, or it so appears to me at present.
When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly. [Instead,] I began by observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but that in the present case there appeared or seemed to me some difference, etc.
I soon found the advantage of this change in my manners. The conversations I engaged in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I proposed my opinions procured them a readier reception and less contradiction; I had less mortification when I was found to be in the wrong, and I more easily prevailed with others to give up their mistakes and join with me when I happened to be in the right.
And this mode, which at first put on with some violence to [my] natural inclination, became at length so easy and habitual to me that perhaps for these fifty years past no one has ever heard a dogmatical expression escape me. And to this Habit (after my Character of Integrity) I think is principally owing that I had early so much weight with my fellow citizens when I proposed new institutions or alterations in the old and so much influence in public councils. I was a bad speaker, never eloquent, subject to much hesitation in my choice of words, hardly correct in language, yet I generally carried my points. --Benjamin Franklin
There are some good general principles, like put enough weight on the rear when using an FEL, ROPS up/seatbelt on, etc. You'll still get arguments on some of that even....and the rest is relative.
