"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
2006-12-07 08:59:23 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
I like it, but my problem is every time I open my mouth, I end up having to apologize later.
2006-12-07 09:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by Local Celebrity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The creator of such lovable characters as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, was known for his razor sharp wit, of which this is a prime example. This is merely his (not so) subtle way of telling the listener that he thinks they are talking nonsense (hence the last part: "and remove all doubt (that you are a fool!)"
In other words, what Mr. Twain implies is: If you have nothing of value to contribute to a conversation, rather shut up (and listen and learn)!
2006-12-07 09:06:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So tue! My favorite college professor used to say that all the time, and I can think of many a time when I would have been better off keeping my mouth shut! That there is a gem of quote.
2006-12-07 09:02:41 · answer #3 · answered by HOt soCCER chicK 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like it alot. I tend to differ- a fool does not necessarily know that s/he is a fool. Most people think that they are rather clever. I'd rather have a fool speak their mind- that way I know they really don't understand the situation. Otherwise, we may think that they have the correct interpretation of events.
2006-12-07 09:04:51 · answer #4 · answered by ••Mott•• 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a great quote from Twain, and a wise one to boot. His source may be the book of Proverbs (see below).
2006-12-07 09:08:32 · answer #5 · answered by gough_c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love Mark Twain. He has a million of great ones you know.
2006-12-07 09:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by Another Garcia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love it Mark Twain is one of my favorite authors.
2006-12-07 09:10:08 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think in some sense its true. I've quoted that exact same phrase. I think its a humerous yet somewhat truthful (in some cases).
2006-12-07 09:04:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like it, and I think it makes perfect sense. Too many times people try to talk about things they don't know about and they end up looking foolish. Better to stay quiet if you don't know what you're talking about don't you think?
2006-12-07 09:44:56 · answer #9 · answered by musicpanther67 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a very good one and people on here should follow it.
2006-12-07 09:02:49 · answer #10 · answered by j_son_06 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋