That version isn’t a verified quote from Galileo Galilei—it’s more of a modern rephrasing or internet-style saying inspired by the same idea.
The “two questions” approach is usually interpreted like this:
- “What evidence would change your mind?”
- “What evidence are you basing your claim on?”
If someone can’t answer those, it reveals the argument isn’t grounded in reasoning—so there’s nothing meaningful to “win.” And if they can answer, then the conversation becomes a real discussion instead of a dead-end argument.
So the spirit still aligns with what’s often attributed to figures like Galileo Galilei or Mark Twain: don’t waste effort trying to out-argue someone who isn’t open to thinking.
