To argue illogically and stubbornly, insisting on one's point despite being in the wrong; to resort to sophistry and twisted logic.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, there was a high official named Gao Yangying in the State of Song who was notorious for his love of sophistry and his insistence on winning every argument, often resorting to twisted logic.
Once, when he planned to build a house, an experienced carpenter warned him against using wet timber for the main beams and pillars, explaining that it would inevitably lead to the house collapsing prematurely.
Gao Yangying, however, adamantly argued, using forceful words and flawed reasoning, that wet wood actually had benefits for construction. Ignoring the expert's advice, he proceeded with building the house using the wet timber.
True to the carpenter's prediction, the house crumbled and collapsed within a year.