FROM “SAINT JOAN OF ARC” (1899)
There is no one to compare her with, none to measure her by; for all others among the illustrious grew towards their high place in an atmosphere and surroundings which discovered their gift to them and nourished it and promoted it, intentionally or unconsciously. There have been other young generals, but they were not girls; young generals, but they have been soldiers before they were generals: she began as a general. She commanded the first army she ever saw; she led it from victory to victory, and never lost a battle with it; there have been young commanders-in-chief, but none so young as she: she is the only soldier in history who has held the supreme command of a nation’s armies at the age of seventeen.
FROM “FOLLOWING THE EQUATOR”
Pudd’nhead Wilson’s New Calendar
(1896–7)
A man may have no bad habits and have worse.
When in doubt, tell the truth.
It is more trouble to make a maxim than it is to do right.
A dozen direct censures are easier to bear than one morganatic compliment.
Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she had laid an asteroid.
He was as shy as a newspaper is when referring to its own merits.
Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Let us economize it.