Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Suddenly the nickel-clad horse takes the bit in its mouth and goes slanting for the curbstone defying all prayers and all your powers to change its mind - your heart stands still, your breath hangs fire, your legs forget to work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the inevitability of certain events in life, where one must accept what is beyond control.
In this quote, Mark Twain vividly describes a moment of helplessness when faced with a situation that spirals out of control. The imagery of a horse taking the bit and careening towards danger symbolizes life's unpredictable and often uncontrollable nature. When we are confronted with such moments, all our efforts to intervene seem futile, leaving us in a state of paralysis as we witness events unfold. This speaks to the broader human experience of confronting situations where, despite our desires and intentions, we remain powerless to alter the course of fate.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech addressing resilience in the face of adversity.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes →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.
Similar quotes
I wanted to try this new drink: That's all we do, isn't it - look at things and try new drinks?
You cannot live your life to please others. The choice must be yours.
Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song
Make lots of noise _x000D_ Kiss lots of boys _x000D_ Or kiss lots of girls _x000D_ If that's something you're into _x000D_ When the straight and narrow _x000D_ Gets a little too straight _x000D_ Roll up a joint (or don't) _x000D_ Just follow your arrow _x000D_ Wherever it points.
You can't have it all all at once. Over my lifespan, I think I have had it all, but in given periods in time, things were rough. And if you have a caring life partner, you help the other person when that person needs it.
After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die.