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It now seems plain to me that that theory ought to be vacated in favor of a new and truer one...the Descent of Man from the Higher Animals.
Mark Twain
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the need to revise outdated theories in light of new evidence and perspectives.

Mark Twain reflects on the evolution of thought, suggesting that older notions may become obsolete as new insights come to light. His assertion about the 'Descent of Man from the Higher Animals' captures a key aspect of evolutionary theory, inviting a reconsideration of how we view human origins in relation to the animal kingdom.

Themes

TheoryEvolutionChangeUnderstandingPerspective

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about scientific advancement, I shared this quote to illustrate the importance of adapting our understanding.

More from Mark Twain

Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
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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.
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You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
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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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