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
All quotes βThe 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.
Mark TwainRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Mark TwainRead
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
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.
Mark TwainRead
Similar quotes
A jealous person is doubly unhappy-over what he has, which is judged inferior, and over which he has not, which is judged superior. Such a person is doubly removed from knowing the true blessing of creation.
Desmond TutuRead
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the same well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
Khalil GibranRead
Tell the truth once and for all and shut up forever.
William S. BurroughsRead
And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
Samuel BeckettRead
Wholeheartedness. There are many tenets of Wholeheartedness, but at its very core is vulnerability and worthiness; facing uncertainty, exposure, and emotional risks, and knowing that I am enough.
Bren BrownRead
It takes writing a billion bad words before you get to the good ones.
Ray BradburyRead