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Directory of Mark Twain's maxims, quotations, and various opinions:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

OPTIMIST

It is a dear and lovely disposition, and a most valuable one, that can brush away indignities and discourtesies and seek and find the pleasanter features of an experience.
- Mark Twain's Autobiography

That optimist of yours is always ready to turn hell's backyard into a play-ground.
- Mark Twain, a Biography

...fry me an optimist for breakfast.
- Letter to T. B. Aldrich, 21 Dec 1901

Optimist: person who travels on nothing from nowhere to happiness.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927

 Whitmore painting

Painting of Clemens which has been identified by Bill McBride as painted by Franklin Whitmore possibly around the time of Clemens' 50th birthday.

Read McBride's story about Sam Clemens, Franklin Whitmore and this portrait.

At 50 a man can be an ass without being an optimist but not an optimist without being an ass.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927.

Optimist: day dreamer more elegantly spelled.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927

Optimist: day-dreamer in his small clothes.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927

There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.
- More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927

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