Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
How often we recall with regret that Napoleon once shot at a magazine editor and missed him and killed a publisher. But we remember with charity that his intentions were good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously reflects on the unintended consequences of actions and how we often judge intentions over results.
Mark Twain highlights the irony of how we remember historical figures, pointing out that while Napoleon's aim resulted in an unfortunate death, we often excuse this because his intentions were deemed good. This quote reflects human nature in focusing on the perceived goodness of intent rather than the actual outcomes of one’s actions, provoking contemplation on how we assess morality and accountability.
Themes
NapoleonIntentionRegretHumorConsequence
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about historical figures, this quote can be used to illustrate how we judge actions based on intent.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes →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.
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
Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.
Oscar LevantRead
Deep within the heart of every evangelist lies the wreck of a car salesman.
H. L. MenckenRead
It's easy to get a loan unless you need it.
Norman Ralph AugustineRead
Whether a party can have much success without a woman present I must ask others to decide, but one thing is certain, no party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
People who are rather more than six feet tall and nearly as broad across the shoulders often have uneventful journeys. People jump out at them from behind rocks then say things like, "Oh. Sorry. I thought you were someone else.
Terry PratchettRead
Let me tell you what I look like: pale face, long hair, and a tiny start of a paunch. In addition, an awkward gait, and a cigar in the mouth and a pen in pocket or hand.
Albert EinsteinRead