QuoteProject
Most writers regard the truth as their most valuable possession, and therefore are most economical in its use.
Mark Twain
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Writers see truth as a precious resource and are careful in how they reveal it.

Mark Twain's quote highlights the value that writers place on truth, suggesting that it is a rare and cherished element of their craft. By describing truth as a 'valuable possession,' Twain implies that writers selectively choose how and when to convey the truth in their work, underscoring the careful consideration behind their words and the impact that truth has on their art.

Themes

TruthWritingValueWisdomEconomical

In practice

Example use cases

In a writing workshop, discussing the importance of truth in storytelling.

More from Mark Twain

Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
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

What I have learned from my work up to now, is to try to be open, but also protect myself by not letting the good and the evil get too much importance.
Jane CampionRead
The technique of positive thinking is not a technique that transforms you. It is simply repressing the negative aspects of your personality. It is a method of choice. It cannot help awareness; it goes against awareness. Awareness is always choiceless.
RajneeshRead
Diseases can be our spiritual flat tires - disruptions in our lives that seem to be disasters at the time but end by redirecting our lives in a meaningful way.
Bernie SiegelRead
Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.
EpictetusRead
Don't worry that other people don't know you;_x000D_ worry that you don't know other people.
ConfuciusRead
We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.
Umberto EcoRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.