Portrait of Mark Twain

Mark Twain

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, humorist

Modern influential 212 sayings

Sayings by Mark Twain

The ass is the only animal that can't be improved by cross-breeding.

1894 — Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar
General Unverifiable

There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.

1907 (published in 'Chapters from My Autobiography') — Attributed, popularized by Twain, but likely originated with Benjamin Disraeli or others.
General Unverifiable

Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.

Late 19th/early 20th century — Attributed, common quote.
General Unverifiable

The greatest country in the world, and we're letting it go to the dogs.

Late 19th/early 20th century — Attributed, common quote.
General Unverifiable

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.

1887 — Letter to Mrs. A. W. Fairbanks
General Confirmed

Man is a creature of circumstances, but circumstances are creatures of men.

Late 19th/early 20th century — Attributed, common quote.
General Unverifiable

I have been in situations where I could not tell the truth without doing harm, and I have therefore told lies.

1924 — Mark Twain's Autobiography
General Unverifiable

It is a solemn thought that at the very moment when the new baby is born, the old baby is dying.

1898 — Mark Twain's Notebook
General Unverifiable

I was educated once, but it didn't take.

Late 19th/early 20th century — Attributed, common quote.
General Unverifiable

The human race is a race of cowards, and I am not ashamed to say it.

1924 — Mark Twain's Autobiography
Social & Racial Unverifiable

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.

1897 — From 'Following the Equator'
General Unverifiable

Do your duty today and repent tomorrow.

Unspecified — General aphorism
General Unverifiable

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Unspecified — General aphorism
Life & Aging Unverifiable

Do not put off until tomorrow what can be put off till day-after-tomorrow just as well.

Unspecified — Humorous take on procrastination
General Unverifiable

If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.

Unspecified — Advice on tackling unpleasant tasks
Food & Drink Unverifiable

If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.

Unspecified — Humorous observation on human nature
General Unverifiable

My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.

Unspecified — Personal reflection
Food & Drink Unverifiable

A successful book is not made of what is in it, but of what is left out of it.

Unspecified — Advice on writing
General Unverifiable

An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency.

Unspecified — Observation on authors
General Unverifiable

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.

Unspecified — Critique of conformity
General Unverifiable
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