Sunday 23 May 2010

Mark Twain

I read this article in The Independent this morning - 100 years after his death, Mark Twain's autobiography is to be published - in full.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/after-keeping-us-waiting-for-a-century-mark-twain-will-finally-reveal-all-1980695.html

I love having something to look forward to (my present carrots which I am going to reward myself with some time very soon are Devil in Disguise by Julian Clary, Under The Dome by Stephen King, Just Me by Sheila Hancock and Noah’s Compass by Anne Tyler)

But this – this unexpurgated autobiography has really got me excited and is going to be a carrot of major proportions to look forward to.

And here for your delectation are a few of my favourite Mark Twain quotes. I don't think I'm breaking any copyright laws here, but I'm sure someone will soon let me know if I am.

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them. MT

I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t. The pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further. MT

Don’t go round saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. MT

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. MT

14 comments:

  1. Mark Twain was a real inspirationx

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  2. Yes he was, Jenny. Characters I read about when I was a kid are still vivid in my mind - Becky Thatcher, Injun Joe, Tom and Huck of course - Muff Potter (what a great name that is)! Makes me want to go back and read about them all over again - I think I will! Amazon here I come . . .

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  3. I keep a little notebook and collect quotes like these in it. Always good for the soul.
    Love the vivisection quote.

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  4. Elizabeth McKay24 May 2010 at 18:26

    My favourite MT quote is - Everybody complains about the weather but nobody ever does a dam thing about it.

    I'll definitely add his autobiography to my collection of to-be-read books.

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  5. Yes that is one of my favourites, Lynne.

    I like that one, Elizabeth!

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  6. Brilliant quotes - he was ahead of his time. I'm very much looking forward to the autobiograph.

    XX

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  7. I love the last quote in particular. When you tell people that you are writing, the odd one can be quite scathing. Sneers and derisive snorts - it is so maddening! Clearly their intention is to belittle you - what sad people! I loved your post on beginnings - good food for thought. And I loved yer wee poem about your dog! Truly very sweet - honestly.

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  8. Oh yes indeed, MOB.
    I always think that people who try to belittle others are trying to make up for their own inadequacies and you're right they are sad. Take no notice of them!

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  9. ahh Mark Twain
    its about time

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  10. Those are some great quotes!
    I loved your pocket novel 'take a chance on me' by the way, the setting sounds like a perfect village, I want to live there!

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  11. Amen to that Ee Leen.

    Thank you penandpaints - I'd like to live there too. I often write about places I wish I lived and a few I'm glad that I don't!

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  12. Teresa, I'm so glad to see you back. Tried to visit your blog last night - and it was gone. Was worried we'd never see you again.

    XX

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  13. Thank you Suzanne - it's been very worrying with things happening computerwise. Seems no matter what you do people find ways to get in and disrupt things.

    I hope normal service will be resumed next weekend! xx

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