Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Every one knew he could foretell wars and famines, though that was not so hard, for there was always a war, and generally a famine somewhere.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that predicting events like wars and famines is not a display of exceptional insight, as such events are common in history.
Mark Twain's quote highlights the idea that certain predictions, such as those regarding wars and famines, are relatively easy to make due to their recurring nature in human history. It suggests a skepticism towards claims of foresight, implying that while some individuals may appear prophetic, their insights are often based on the reality of ongoing human conflicts and crises rather than unique abilities to foresee the future.
Themes
PredictionHistoryWarFamineInsight
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on global issues, one might quote Twain to stress the inevitability of certain disasters.
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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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