Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
I haven't a particle of confidence in a man who has no redeeming petty vices whatsoever.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that minor flaws in character make a person more relatable and human.
Mark Twain's quote reflects the understanding that perfection is unattainable and that minor vices are a natural part of human existence. It implies that having small flaws or quirks can make individuals more genuine and trustworthy, while those who seem too perfect may lack depth and authenticity. Twain highlights that these 'redeeming petty vices' contribute to a person's charm and relatability, ultimately fostering connections in relationships.
In practice
During a speech about embracing our imperfections, one might say this quote to emphasize the value of authenticity.
Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
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.
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
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.
I could do one show after another in China for the rest of my life and still die ignorant. There's a lot of places left to go.
You wake up one day and suddenly realize that your youth is behind you, even though you're still young at heart.
A Warrior of Light never resorts to trickery, but he knows how to distract his opponent.
Genuine wisdom is usually conspicuous through modesty and silence.
A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
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