Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Peace by persuasion has a pleasant sound, but I think we should not be able to work it. We should have to tame the human race first, and history seems to show that that cannot be done.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Peace through persuasion is appealing, but history suggests that humanity is resistant to change.
Mark Twain's quote reflects a deep skepticism about the effectiveness of persuasion in achieving peace. He argues that while the idea of reaching peace through convincing others is attractive, historically, mankind has proven difficult to influence or 'tame.' This suggests that real change requires more substantial efforts than mere persuasion.
Themes
PeacePersuasionHumanityHistoryChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might say, 'As Mark Twain noted, peace by persuasion has a pleasant sound, but we need to consider our history.'
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
The history of mankind is the history of our misunderstandings with god, for he doesn't understand us, and we don't understand him.
Jose SaramagoRead
There is immunity in reading, immunity in formal society, in office routine, in the company of old friends and in the giving of officious help to strangers, but there is no sanctuary in one bed from the memory of another. The past with its anguish will break through every defense-line of custom and habit; we must sleep and therefore we must dream.
Cyril ConnollyRead
Better not be at all than not be noble.
Alfred Lord TennysonRead
The world has been created for everyone's use, but you few rich are trying to keep it up for yourselves. For not merely the possession of the earth, but the very sky, the air, and the sea are claimed for the use of the rich few... The earth belongs to all, not just to the rich.
AmbroseRead
When a work appears to be ahead of its time, it is only the time that is behind the work.
Jean CocteauRead
Our vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care To grant, before we can conclude the prayer: Preventing angels met it half the way, And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.
John DrydenRead