NINE FROM MARK TWAIN

Many Mark Twain quotes have etched themselves into conversation.  “Everybody talks about the weather but. . . “. “The circumstances of my death. . .”  “Man is the only animal that blushes — or needs to.” But Twain was more than the sum of his cliches.  Here are eight wise things he also said.

1. “Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”

2. “The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

3. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

4. “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

5. “Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.”

6. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

7. Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”

8. “Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”