Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Every one knew he could foretell wars and famines, though that was not so hard, for there was always a war, and generally a famine somewhere.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that predicting events like wars and famines is not a display of exceptional insight, as such events are common in history.
Mark Twain's quote highlights the idea that certain predictions, such as those regarding wars and famines, are relatively easy to make due to their recurring nature in human history. It suggests a skepticism towards claims of foresight, implying that while some individuals may appear prophetic, their insights are often based on the reality of ongoing human conflicts and crises rather than unique abilities to foresee the future.
Themes
PredictionHistoryWarFamineInsight
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on global issues, one might quote Twain to stress the inevitability of certain disasters.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes βThe easy part of being an artist is figuring out the message that everyone else is ready to hear. The hard part is waiting for the proper lull to make the announcement.
Mark TwainRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Mark TwainRead
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
Mark TwainRead
Similar quotes
Always remember that others may hate you but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.
Richard M. NixonRead
I've never understood why people consider youth a time of freedom and joy. It's probably because they have forgotten their own.
Margaret AtwoodRead
There is no substitute for talent. Industry and all its virtues are of no avail.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Men wrongly lament the flight of time, blaming it for being too swift; they do not perceive that its passage is sufficiently long, but a good memory, which nature has given to us, causes things long past to seem present.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
We are all geniuses up to the age of ten.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Regret is useless in life. It's in the past. All we have is now.
Marlon BrandoRead