Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed.
Interpretation
Principles are only effective when basic needs are met.
Mark Twain's quote suggests that the effectiveness of oneβs principles relies heavily on being in a secure and stable position, particularly regarding basic necessities like food and shelter. Without the foundation of basic human needs, the adherence to higher ideals can be challenging, as survival often takes precedence over philosophical commitments.
In practice
In a discussion about ethics in business, this quote can highlight the importance of financial stability to uphold moral standards.
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.
If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.
Life without knowledge is death in disguise.
Whenever you feel happiness it is always from the inner. Then mind immediately jumps in and takes control and says, 'It is because of me.' When you are in love, it is like death, you feel blissful. Immediately mind comes in and says, 'Okay, this is me, this is because of me.'
. . .There are moments when time does stop. We must be alert enough to notice such moments . . .
Each thought is a nail that is driven In structures that cannot decay; And the mansion at last will be given To us as we build it each day.
The only guide to a man's conscience, the only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of his actions.
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