Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests prioritizing a captivating narrative over factual accuracy.
Mark Twain humorously implies that storytelling often takes precedence over truth, highlighting the idea that engaging tales can sometimes resonate more with audiences than factual depictions. This notion resonates particularly in the context of entertainment and journalism, where the excitement of a good story can overshadow actual events and reality.
Themes
TruthStoryHumorNarrativeMark Twain
In practice
Example use cases
A writer discussing the art of storytelling at a literature festival.
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 made myself a snowball As perfect as can be. I thought I'd keep it as a pet, And let it sleep with me. I made it some pajamas And a pillow for it's head. Then last night it ran away, But first - It wet the bed.
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You can't imagine how stupid the whole world has grown nowadays.
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The truth is, laughter always sounds more perfect than weeping. Laughter flows in a violent riff and is effortlessly melodic. Weeping is often fought, choked, half strangled, or surrendered to with humiliation.
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They do what they do for money - that's all. I don't even know why you're listening to me. I've done commercials for both Coke and Pepsi. Truth is, I can't even taste the difference, but Pepsi paid me last, so there it is.
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