Advice from Exonians: The Least Cancellable Things to Say in a Harkness Classroom

By SHAYAAN KASHIF ‘26

Let’s face it — we’ve all said something that didn’t land quite the way we meant at a Harkness table. In fact, probably the biggest problem faced by Exonians in the classroom is just what to say and when to say it. No one wants to get stared at like they just committed a felony. Luckily for you, The Exonian has compiled a list of the least cancellable things to say at the Harkness table.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about finding that balance.” – This is a good one in the midst of a particularly heated argument, especially if you don’t know what you’re really getting into. It doesn’t always work, but you can almost never go wrong with it.

“Just to play devil’s advocate…” – This is a good way to broach a particularly hot take that you know may get you some looks.

“I think we can all agree that the real loser is the American people.” – Stuck in a divisive political debate? No problem, we got you.

“It’s really interesting how we can all interpret the same text in such a different fashion.” – There’s probably no better way to say something without actually saying anything. This is a low risk, high reward way of broaching a conversation.

“What do you guys think?” – There’s nothing a Harkness warrior loves more than the opportunity to speak their mind. So when you feel like you’re beginning to lose steam, give them that window, and take the pressure off of yourself.

“I think we can all agree that [insert extremely objectively evil thing here] is in fact bad.” – Relevant? Maybe not. But sure to at least get some nods? Most likely.

Hopefully some iteration of these phrases will help you avoid your peers and teachers looking at you like you’re insane. We’ve all been there, and not to play devil’s advocate, but I think we can all agree that it’s not a fun situation to be in (see what I did there?). What do you think about finding that balance?