Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
I like the truth sometimes, but I don't care enough for it to hanker after it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a casual attitude towards truth, suggesting that while truth is appreciated, it is not always pursued diligently.
Mark Twain's quote articulates a nuanced perspective on truth. It implies that while he acknowledges the importance of truth at times, he does not feel compelled to chase after it relentlessly. This suggests a recognition of the complexities in seeking truth and an acceptance of human fallibility in the pursuit of certainty. It encourages a balanced approach where one values truth without becoming overly fixated on it.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on honesty, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of moderation in seeking truth.
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.
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
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Well, I know, of course, how important it is not to keep a business engagement, if one wants to retain any sense of the beauty of life.
The partisan strife in which the people of the country are permitted to periodically engage does not tend to the development of ugly traits of character, but merely discloses those that preexist.
I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.