Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered—either by themselves or by others.

About Mark Twain

Portrait of Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and essayist. He has been praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced", with William Faulkner calling him "the father of American literature". Twain's novels include...

More quotations from Mark Twain

Never learn to do anything: if you don't learn, you'll always find someone else to do it for you.

I was gratified to be able to answer promptly. I said I don't know.

Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.

intelligence imbeciles

There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.

pessimism youth

It is discouraging to try to penetrate a mind like yours. You ought to get it out and dance on it. That would take some of the rigidity out of it.

History

11 May 2016 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

Thousands of geniuses live and die undiscovered - either by themselves or by others.