Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
I don't speak German well but several experts have assured me that I write it like an angel. Maybe so, maybe so- I don't know. I've not yet made any acquaintances among the angels. That comes later, whenever it please the Deity. I'm not in any hurry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mark Twain humorously reflects on his writing skills in German, likening them to angelic prose despite not speaking the language well.
In this quote, Mark Twain uses humor to express his lack of proficiency in German while simultaneously hinting at the quality of his written work. He acknowledges the opinions of experts who praise his writing, comparing it to that of angels, yet he remains modest and self-deprecating about his abilities, suggesting that he has not yet attained the level of acquaintance with true excellence. Twain's light-hearted approach to his limitations and his indifference to immediate recognition or success illustrates a broader theme of accepting one's journey at a comfortable pace.
Themes
WritingHumorLanguageModestyExpertise
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about embracing one's limitations while pursuing personal growth.
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
Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.
Mel BrooksRead
Superheroes? In New York? Give me a break!
Stan LeeRead
They all laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. Well, they're not laughing now.
Bob MonkhouseRead
Muggles have garden gnomes, too, you know," Harry told Ron as they crossed the lawn. "Yeah, I've seen those things they think are gnomes," said Ron, bent double with his head in a peony bush, "like fat little Santa Clauses with fishing rods.
J. K. RowlingRead
Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.
Douglas AdamsRead
Black moleskin gloves covered his hands; the right because it was burned, the left because a man felt half a fool wearing only one glove.
George R. R. MartinRead