banner

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

Artist Will McEntee drew Mark Twain
"on the spot."
Illustration from
The Clover Club of Philadelphia
by Mary Deacon, 1897.
Read the story behind the portrait.

WIT

Wit is the sudden marriage of ideas which, before their union, were not perceived to have any relation.
- Notebook, 1885

Wit, by itself, is of little account. It becomes of moment only when grounded on wisdom.
- quoted in Abroad with Mark Twain and Eugene Field, Fisher

Wit and Humor--if any difference it is in duration--lightning and electric light. Same material, apparently; but one is vivid, brief, and can do damage--the other fools along and enjoys the elaboration.
- Mark Twain's Notebook

Probably there is an imperceptible touch of something permanent that one feels instinctively to adhere to true humour, whereas wit may be the mere conversational shooting up of "smartness"--a bright feather, to be blown into space the second after it is launched...Wit seems to be counted a very poor relation to Humour....Humour is never artificial.
- quoted in Sydney Morning Herald, 9/17/1895

banner logo

Quotations | Newspaper Articles | Special Features | Links | Search