Mark Twain’s Thoughts on Life

May 11, 2011

I don’t quite remember the first time I fell in love with quotations, but ever since I can remember, I have collected quotes. I have attempted to memorize a few but there are a plethora of great quotes, it could take me a lifetime. Quotes have given me food for thought, allowed me to be inspired and to introduce a new perspective to life.

I hope you enjoy a few of Mark Twain’s thoughts on life.I sure did!

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.
– Notebook, 1898

Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson and the Comedy of the Extraordinary Twins

We recognize that there are no trivial occurrences in life if we get the right focus on them.
Mark Twain’s Autobiography


He had arrived at that point where presently the illusions would cease and he would have entered upon the realities of life, and God help the man that has arrived at that point.
– Jack Van Nostrand speech, 1905

There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.
– “The Refuge of the Derelicts” – 1905

… life does not consist mainly — or even largely — of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever blowing through one’s head.
Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1 (University of California Press, 2010)   (I can totally relate to this quote!)

Yolanda Taylor

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  • Jenny @ An Apple for the Crafter May 12, 2011 at 12:45 am

    I never liked Twain's novels but I have always loved his pithy quotes. As an English major my favorite is, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

  • Jenny @ An Apple for the Crafter May 12, 2011 at 12:45 am

    I never liked Twain's novels but I have always loved his pithy quotes. As an English major my favorite is, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

  • Yolanda Taylor May 12, 2011 at 1:13 am

    I love that quote! Thanks for sharing 🙂 He does have some great quotes. I am curious why you didn't like Twain's novels. Any in particular, or all of them?

  • Yolanda Taylor May 12, 2011 at 1:13 am

    I love that quote! Thanks for sharing 🙂 He does have some great quotes. I am curious why you didn't like Twain's novels. Any in particular, or all of them?

  • Chels May 12, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Jenny you should read his book Joan of Arc. I loved it. Althought it's a bit slow in parts.

  • Chels May 12, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Jenny you should read his book Joan of Arc. I loved it. Althought it's a bit slow in parts.

  • Yolanda Taylor May 12, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Chels, I have not read Joan of Arc. Sad I know, but true. Yet another classic to add to my list. However, I did find an old treasure of a book at a library book sale last week. It is the Complete Collection of Short Stories by Mark Twain, published in 1957, mottled with age, and yellowing pages. I am excited to read that sometime soon!Either of you can borrow it, if you like.

  • Yolanda Taylor May 12, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Chels, I have not read Joan of Arc. Sad I know, but true. Yet another classic to add to my list. However, I did find an old treasure of a book at a library book sale last week. It is the Complete Collection of Short Stories by Mark Twain, published in 1957, mottled with age, and yellowing pages. I am excited to read that sometime soon!Either of you can borrow it, if you like.

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    Yolanda

    Hi! Welcome to our blog! Family, friends, photography, food, fun, travels, books - there is a little bit of everything here. It is the place where I record things that I know I would love to read and remember, and hopefully, you get to share a part of our lives with us. It may not be perfect but this is us. And, you are welcome any time! Read More

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