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Directory of Mark Twain's maxims, quotations, and various opinions:

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RESPECT

Jean and her father
Photo of Clemens with his daughter Jean courtesy of Dave Thomson

We are all inconsistent. We are offended and resent it when people do not respect us; and yet in his private heart no man much respects himself.
- Following the Equator, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any; also to strangers, and sometimes to others. If a person offends you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measure; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick. That will be sufficient. If you shall find that he had not intended any offense, come out frankly and confess yourself in the wrong when you struck him; acknowledge it like a man, and say you didn't mean to.
- Advice to Youth speech, 15 May 1882


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