The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain

Besides being one of the most treasured writers in American history, Mark Twain was also one of the most quotable. This comprehensive compendium collects over 500 of his best quips and remarks.

Born in Missouri under the name Samuel Langhorne Clemens, his pen name, Mark Twain, was river-boat slang for 12 feet of water. Clemens adopted the name Mark Twain after he established his voice as a journalist. Under Mark Twain he wrote the classic fiction satire novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn on the nature of slavery and racism at the time.

Mark Twain’s social commentary was as friendly as it was poignant. This treasury contains his witticisms about the:

• Enigmas of life
• Importance of education
• Delights (and annoyances) of travel
• Absurdity of politics
• Double standards of society
• Joys of love
• Ludicrousness of aging
• And much more

Following a short biography and timeline of his life, the quotes include such wisdom as:

“When a person cannot deceive himself the chances are against his being able to deceive other people.”—Mark Twain’s Autobiography

“One of the striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.” —Pudd’nhead Wilson

“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” —Mark Twain’s Notebook

“It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.” —Mark Twain’s Notebook

“What is human life? The first third a good time; the rest remembering about it.” —More Maxims of Mark
 
Friendly and funny, deflating egos and lifting spirits, these quotes deserve a treasured spot in every personal library.

Contributor: Jennifer Boudinot (Compiled by)

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