Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Never argue with people who buy ink by the gallon.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid engaging in disputes with those who have the resources to influence public opinion.
This quote by Mark Twain suggests that it is unwise to argue with journalists or writers, metaphorically described as those who buy ink in large quantities, because they have the means to shape narratives and public perception. Engaging with them can lead to losing the argument not just on the facts, but also in terms of audience influence.
Themes
ArgueInkInfluencePublic OpinionWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on social media about current events, one might reference this quote to caution against engaging with influential media figures.
More from Mark Twain
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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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