Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
Interpretation
Avoid exaggerating or lying in familiar company, especially if they know the truth.
This quote by Mark Twain humorously suggests that one should be cautious about sharing tall tales or embellishing stories in the presence of those who are well-acquainted with the subject matter. The humor lies in the idea that if you attempt to spin a yarn about something that people know intimately, your credibility will be easily undermined.
In practice
Using this quote during a storytelling workshop to emphasize the importance of honesty.
Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
The 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.
I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on.
It's not a good idea to take a forecast from someone wearing a tie. If possible, tease people who take themselves and their knowledge too seriously.
My roommate says, "I'm going to take a shower and shave. Does anyone need to use the bathroom?" It's like some weird quiz where he reveals the answer first.
I always say that I've been in a bad mood for maybe 35 years now. I try to lighten it up, but that's what comes out when you get me on camera.
Our most noted satirists are true columnists, and their opinions can be worth more than any well-documented expose.
When men drink, then they are rich and successful and win lawsuits and are happy and help their friends. Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.