Quotes by Mark Twain
Start writing a post

Born in Florida, Missouri before being raised in the city of Hannibal in the same state, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name -- Mark Twain -- broke into the American Literary scene in 1873 with his first novel "The Gilded Age: A Tale Today", which he collaborated on with his friend, and essayist, Charles Dudley Warner.

However, it was his magnum opus "Huckleberry Finn", circulated eleven years later that propelled Twain to the heights of immortal renown. Examining, and dissecting Southern Antebellum Society through satire, coupled with a candid, but relentless wit the novelist would become trademarked for, "Huckleberry Finn" is regarded by critics, and scholars as "The Great American Novel", and one of the finest pieces of literature to make its way from imagination, into the cannon of the English Language. Without further ado, here are six of the wittiest, incisive lines delivered by one of the finest writers, and humorists to ever walk this earth, and along with Henry James, one of the fathers of American Literature:

1. "Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."

Age should not determine whether one can be happy, it should stand as testament that one has been, and can continue to be.

2. "The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read."

Like art, literacy is a craft honed through practice and time. Should you refuse to put in the time to practice, you are no further along the way then one who has yet to read, or one who cannot.

3. "A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."

Words unhindered by honesty or verity of any form travel faster between mouth and ears than what can only be pronounced beneath the weight of facts.

4. "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."

To be well educated is why we go to school but school isn't always why we are well educated.

5. "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind it doesn't matter."

Who cares how old you are, you're only old if you care.

6. "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

There is always something we can't see, something we can't hear, or can't feel but kindness is always felt. Regardless of whether we can hear, or see it.

Although the passage of time and many ages that have grown old enough to pass have long since called upon Twain to the same. The memory of the laughter and joy he once brought to so many -- captured in the pages of his books that remain impregnable, and only endure all the more with the shift of the second hand on the clock -- remains to fill us with a joy we can remember, and the laughter that comes with being able to do so.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

937852
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

114697
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

91117
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments