Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
I never write "metropolis" for seven cents when I can write "city" and get paid the same.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the value of simplicity and the idea that one can achieve the same results with less complexity.
In this quote, Mark Twain expresses a humorous yet insightful perspective on the value of simplicity in communication. He suggests that there is no need to overcomplicate language or ideas when a simpler word serves the same purpose, emphasizing the practicality of choosing clarity over complexity in writing and expression.
Themes
SimplicityWritingCommunicationClarityPracticality
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker might use this quote to advocate for clear and straightforward communication in a presentation.
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
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I am looking for the human who admits his flaws Who shocks the adversary By being kinder not stronger What would that be like? We don't even know
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