The quote “It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.” I personally think this quote is not so true. Why? Well, because I believe that we are able to defeat people,that think they are correct. The reason I do not believe in this quote is; because I am a person who believes that there are several ways of thinking about things; and that one way of thinking is better than another. 

          Even having someone who likes to argue and not realize; they are not always going to be right. We should all know how to handle it by being open-minded and accepting of other opinions.We do not always must believe in what others say and what they want us to believe in. Arguing makes situations worse than before you start to argue. If someone says something you disagree with; you should listen to them and try your hardest to understand why they said it. 

          If someone says something you agree with, you should listen to them; and see if your mind says a different thing. You should also try to understand their opinion and not just accept what they say. Having a person that likes to make situations worse is not right. The situation you are in will say what kind of a person you are. Whatever you say, you should always watch what your mouth has to say. 

          Not every person is right always. Each of us, human beings have different thoughts and will not believe everything. We know that everyone will argue and have their opinion on things; but it is never right to simply be there to argue about situations that are not even important.                       

    During the time of living on their farm Tom Joad always wanted things his way and had a “foot before the other” kind of attitude which led him to be selfish and work alone or if he worked with others he would want things his way. In chapter 16, it says “Tom argues that he could just sleep in a ditch for free but the Deputy Sheriff comes on by night and tells him ‘Got a law against sleepin’ out in this state.’ Got a law about vagrants.” This quote shows that Tom Joad wanted things his way but was forced to leave the camp and sleep a bit down the road. But otherwise, when he realized he was being harsh he offered himself to others and said “Wherever they’s a fight so hungry people can eat, I’ll be there.’ Whenever they’s a cop beatin gup a guy I’ll be there….” Steinbeck tried to show how Tom Joad changed from being neurotic to be caring for his loved ones.

    After they noticed that the Joads needed to work together Ma didn’t want to disappoint Tom or get him mad because she thought he couldn’t do it. Tom was easily irate and tried to keep things in place until Ma told him “you got more sense.’ I don’t need to make you mad, I got to lean on you them others--they’re kinda strangers, all but you.’ You won’t give up Tom.” This quote changed Tom because it made him believe that if he took care of everything he would be able to achieve he’s plans and now he thinks less about the future. When traveling to California and sleeping/resting in the places available Tom kept thinking that everyone is the same and no matter if their immigrants they shouldn’t be treated differently. For example, he said, “I been thinkin’ a hell of a lot,thinkin’ about our people livin’ like pigs an’ the good rich lan’ layin’ fallow, or maybe one fella with million acres, while a hundred thousan’ good farmers is starvin’....” Steinbeck additionally added this quote to show that Tom stops being selfish and for once cared about the people he was trying to be supportive. 

    Tom Joad was being narrow-minded while still traveling to reach their destination when they stopped at camps that just offered them tents, toilets, and little food supplies. He wanted to live at least a little better but he knew that the only way would be to listen to others when told. In addition, he also knew that if someone when towards him he wouldn’t be afraid to repeat his past. For example, he said “I’d do what I done--- again...I killed a guy in a fight. He got a knife in me an’ I killed him with a shovel that was layin’ there.” Tom thinks he’s able of anything and that leads him to some leadership after getting himself together to survive with his family. For instance, he became the leader of his family and the migrants and had a face of determination and persistence. Steinbeck was able to show the reader how a person can change for their good in surviving a way of no thought.