How much do you have to read to become an articulate smart-arse?

One · 29 May 2012 at 21:24

See it all the time in films and TV and books. This guy that reads all the time always has epic come-backs and can destroy a person through word. How much do you have to read to be able to do this for yourself? Is it quality over quantity, or not; or is it simply bull**** and you're just born with the brain?

Morgoth · 29 May 2012 at 21:25

You can always steal other people's witty retorts if you are having trouble OP.

One · 29 May 2012 at 21:26

You can always steal other people's witty retorts if you are having trouble OP.

Castiel · 29 May 2012 at 21:33

A lot.

RomanNose · 29 May 2012 at 21:34

Well even if you do read a lot it doesn't mean that you will remember it all.

Edrof · 29 May 2012 at 21:41

You only have to read one book more than the vapid gongoozler that you're trying to insult has.

Participant · 29 May 2012 at 21:42

Become extremely sarcastic and you're halfway there.

KatanaDV20 · 29 May 2012 at 21:44

You will only remember such comebacks **if you are genuinely interested in the material**

So if youre into history you wont have to make an *effort* to remember...you will remember because it interests you. Dont know if Im making any sense lol but hope you know what Im getting at.

Parrot-learning facts is asking for trouble...because the person you put down COULD really know about the topic and once she/he starts digging & quizzing you more....

ferretmaster · 29 May 2012 at 21:44

hmmm

There's only so much 'Biff and Chip' can teach you.

Redz · 29 May 2012 at 21:45

desires said:
See it all the time in films and TV and books. This guy that reads all the time always has epic come-backs and can destroy a person through word.

Yes, but in the real world it's usually the other person who has the better left hook.

[FnG]magnolia · 29 May 2012 at 21:47

You have to read 136 high quality or 221 medium quality books to achieve your goal. Some would argue that this demands uneeded effort as we all know that the ultimate iceburn is : "No, you are."

Nanoman · 29 May 2012 at 21:49

Morgoth · 29 May 2012 at 21:49

Actually there has been significant discussion in Academia that the undisputed king is "yer maw!".

PermaBanned · 29 May 2012 at 21:51

If you think you've read enough then you haven't read enough.

Judgeneo · 29 May 2012 at 21:52

About this much:

"

"

Mickie · 29 May 2012 at 21:57

it helps a lot if you like arguing and are a bit of a dk

Derek W · 29 May 2012 at 22:07

Mickie said:
it helps a lot if you like arguing and are a bit of a dk

bit of a donkey kong :confused:

scorza · 29 May 2012 at 22:11

desires said:
You can always steal other people's witty retorts if you are having trouble OP.

That actually made me

Cosimo · 29 May 2012 at 22:16

Castiel said:
A lot.

An awful lot over a long time.

Random Guy · 29 May 2012 at 22:24

Not sure its a matter of reading as much as a matter of watching "topical" late night entertainment shows tbh....

Being well-read means you can hold an argument on a wide variety of topics, which is a much more desirable trait than just being a smart-arse TV cliche (imo).