QuoteProject
A person that started in to carry a cat home by the tail was gitting knowledge that was always going to be useful to him, and warn't ever going to grow dim or doubtful.
Mark Twain
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that experiences, even if challenging, provide valuable knowledge that remains useful throughout life.

Mark Twain emphasizes the importance of practical experiences in acquiring wisdom. The act of trying to carry a cat home by its tail symbolizes the often difficult but necessary lessons we learn through our actions. Such experiences, even if mistakes are made, contribute to our growth and understanding of the world, making the knowledge gained indelible and reliable.

Themes

KnowledgeExperienceWisdomLearningGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a speech about the importance of experiential learning.

More from Mark Twain

Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
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

In creative endeavors luck is a skill.
Twyla TharpRead
Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another.
John Henry NewmanRead
Knowledge is essential to conquest; only according to our ignorance are we helpless. Thought creates character. Character can dominate conditions. Will creates circumstances and environment.
Annie BesantRead
Many of us worry about the situation of the world . . . We need to remain calm, to see clearly. Meditation is a means to be aware, and to try to help.
Nhat HanhRead
Force a hand, the voice warned, and it will fight you. But convince a mind to think as you want it to think, and you have an ally.
Dan BrownRead
Even mistakes can be wonderful.
Robin WilliamsRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.