Quote from Mark Twain
2007-11-26 05:40:07 · 13 answers · asked by Zelda Hunter 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Easy answers breed lazy minds. Society likes having its TRUTH carved in stone, where no one ever questions that it is nothing more than an opinion. Twain questioned such loyalty, especially in regard to racial issues in American culture, that he did so with self deprecating sardonic satire moved the country up to the brink of the Civil Rights movement. It's all too easy to become comfortable and complacent. If we reflect on our values, it must be obvious that we've not reached the promised land of freedom, truth, and justice for all.
2007-11-26 09:26:28 · answer #1 · answered by Fr. Al 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good series on Samuel, there. Let's do one on Will Rogers afterwards.
Most of us tend to think of Mark Twain as an acerbic commentator. This quote also shows deep empathy with the trodden upon.
A living tree can be strong, once it stops changing and growing, it dies.
It took 1900 years between Ptolemy and Newton for the Sun to stop spinning around the Earth.
2007-11-26 15:59:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No loyalty to any idea at all has ever freed a human soul.
What is there to free there? An idea freeing an idea?
Chains are broken by popular demand not by opinions.
Mark Twain had a big mustache.
2007-11-26 14:06:03 · answer #3 · answered by @@@@@@@@ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I really like Samuel L. Clemens, He has a fascinating sardonic humor.
On this subject however, I disagree with is jaded perspective.
It is precisely that loyalty to the "petrified" opinions of Philosophers that has dominated the decisions and directions of many powerful men throughout history. Gandhi's persistence in peaceful resistance proved to me momentous in effectiveness against the British.
I believe, like many a philosopher, that some knowledge is eternal in its application. Far reaching and balanced with all that is eternal
As Einstein stated, "I want to know Gods thoughts. All the rest is details."
2007-11-26 15:25:29 · answer #4 · answered by Dr weasel 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I would think that it means: True loyalty would only denote the two souls walk hand in hand together and stick together, stand the test of time, come what may..
2007-11-26 14:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by oscar c 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This can also be worded as "belief". When people choose to believe in anything, they close their minds to any ideas that may contradict that belief. Their minds are petrified by opinion.
2007-11-26 14:18:12 · answer #6 · answered by phil8656 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree. When we think we know we have closed our minds to new possibilities, we might even miss a life changing truth because we are too invested to even consider the thought. Many would rather live in the illusion of being right.
2007-11-26 13:48:44 · answer #7 · answered by Just Be 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Conforming to beliefs and systems don't free the mentality just destruct the soul prohibiting liberation.
2007-11-26 15:52:25 · answer #8 · answered by Acepholis 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Mr. Clemens is making the observation that Static thinking and beliefs do not allow for growth and evolution.
2007-11-26 13:48:34 · answer #9 · answered by Gee Whizdom™ 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
i agree, while its fine to hold beliefs and knowledge, to petrify it (have it covered over in stone, unchangeable) isnt good, you should always stay open minded, and open to knowledge and new thoughts, some of your conclusions may change, some may not
2007-11-26 14:02:34 · answer #10 · answered by dlin333 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋