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We are all inconsistent. We are offended and resent it when people do
not respect us; and yet in his private heart no man much respects himself. |
 Photo of Clemens with his daughter Jean courtesy of Dave Thomson |
Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any; also to strangers, and sometimes
to others. If a person offends you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was
intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measure; simply watch your chance
and hit him with a brick. That will be sufficient. If you shall find that he
had not intended any offense, come out frankly and confess yourself in the wrong
when you struck him; acknowledge it like a man, and say you didn't mean to.
- Advice to Youth speech, 15 May 1882
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