Although I have to confess that I haven't read any of his books, except for parts of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I have always admired the profound wisdom and humor of Mark Twain.
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), Twain is noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884), and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). Twain was a friend to presidents, artists, and European royalty, and his keen wit and incisive satire earned praise from critics and peers. Upon his death he was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age," and William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature."
Just for fun, I'd like to share some of his "down home" wit and wisdom with you today.
A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.
A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read.
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
The educated Southerner has no use for an 'R,' except at the beginning of a word.
All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
"Classic" — A book which people praise and don't read.
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Humor is mankind's greatest blessing.
I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.
I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.
It is better to deserve honors and not have them, than to have them and not deserve them.
The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
The lack of money is the root of all evil.
Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.
What a wise man he was! After reading those quotations, don't you wish you could just sit a spell with him and listen to him talk? If you would like to know more about Mr. Twain and his fascinating life, you can click here.
