Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
We were good boys, good Presbyterian boys, and loyal and all that; anyway, we were good Presbyterian boys when the weather was doubtful; when it was fair, we did wander a little from the fold.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the duality of human nature, suggesting that true loyalty is tested during difficult times.
Mark Twain's quote humorously highlights the tendency of people to adhere to their principles and moral values only when it is convenient or easy, indicating that during challenging circumstances, one's character is truly tested. It suggests that while individuals may identify with their 'good' traits, they may stray from their values when faced with temptation or hardship, inviting reflection on the authenticity of one's loyalty and beliefs.
Themes
LoyaltyValuesHuman NaturePrinciplesTemptation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about morality in difficult times.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes →The 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
Freemasonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embracing individuals of every nation, of every religion, and of every condition in life. Wealth, power and talents are not necessary to the person of a Freemason. An unblemished character and a virtuous conduct are the only qualifications for admission into the Order.
Andrew JacksonRead
I'm not me but living matter fermenting and forming its own shapes in the fruitfulness of every day.
Pablo NerudaRead
But what can a decent man speak of with most pleasure? Answer: Of himself. Well, so I will talk about myself.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
The Truth is far more all-encompassing than the mind could ever comprehend. No thought can encapsulate the Truth. At best, it can point to it. For example, it can say: "All things are intrinsically one (The Pearl of Great Price)." That is a pointer, not an explanation. Understanding these words means feeling deep within you the truth to which they point.
Eckhart TolleRead
The vilest deeds like poison weeds Bloom well in prison air; It is only what is good in man That wastes and withers there.
Oscar WildeRead
When the virus of restlessness begins to take possession of a wayward man, and the road away from Here seems broad and straight and sweet, the victim must first find himself a good and sufficient reason for going.
John SteinbeckRead