Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that seeing someone set a good example can be frustrating, as it raises our own standards and challenges us.
Mark Twain's quote highlights the discomfort that comes when we are confronted with the exemplary behavior of others. It implies that good examples can serve as a mirror, reflecting our own shortcomings and making us feel inadequate. This can lead to annoyance as we may prefer to remain in our comfort zones rather than strive for improvement. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the complexity of appreciating good examples in a world where complacency is often easier.
Themes
ExampleAnnoyanceBehaviorStandardsInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the importance of role models in a motivational seminar.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes βThe 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.
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You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
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To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
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Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
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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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