Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
There is nothing like instances to grow hair on a bald-headed argument.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that only specific examples can effectively strengthen a weak argument.
Mark Twain humorously points out that abstract arguments often lack substance and that tangible examples are essential for bolstering claims. The phrase 'instances to grow hair on a bald-headed argument' evokes the image of an argument so lacking in support that it resembles a bald head, and highlights the necessity of concrete evidence to make any point credible and compelling.
Themes
ArgumentsEvidenceExamplesHumorPersuasion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate to emphasize the importance of supporting arguments with real-life examples.
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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.
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