A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.Mark Twain-A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.Chuck Norris-Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.Albert Einstein-I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.Albert Einstein-If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.Albert Einstein-I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.

As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.Albert Einstein-As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.
"Geometry and Experience", January 27, 1921

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.Albert Einstein-Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.

Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.Mark Twain-Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.

A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.Albert Einstein-A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics. They will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We've been asked to pause for a reality check; we've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.Barack Obama-We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics. They will only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We've been asked to pause for a reality check; we've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope. But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
New Hampshire Democratic Primary Speech, 01-08-08

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.Barack Obama-There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair. The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
Election Night Speech in Chicago, 11-04-08

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.Albert Einstein-The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.
(attributed)

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.Albert Einstein-Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.Albert Einstein-Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.

The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an existing one.Albert Einstein-The release of atomic energy has not created a new problem. It has merely made more urgent the necessity of solving an existing one.

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.Albert Einstein-Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.Mark Twain-Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.Albert Einstein-The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.Albert Einstein-Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.
1916 (quoted in the Theodore Roosevelt Centennial CD-ROM)

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.Albert Einstein-A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, right or wrong - is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.Albert Einstein-To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, right or wrong - is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

Any man who tries to excite class hatred, sectional hate, hate of creeds, any kind of hatred in our community, though he may affect to do it in the interest of the class he is addressing, is in the long run with absolute certainly that class's own worst enemy.Mark Twain-Any man who tries to excite class hatred, sectional hate, hate of creeds, any kind of hatred in our community, though he may affect to do it in the interest of the class he is addressing, is in the long run with absolute certainly that class's own worst enemy.

Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.Mark Twain-Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.
1916 (quoted in the Theodore Roosevelt Centennial CD-ROM)

Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in time.Mark Twain-Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in time.

A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.Mark Twain-A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.
Speech in New York, Nov. 20, 1900

A just war is in the long run far better for a nation's soul than the most prosperous peace obtained by acquiescence in wrong or injustice.Mark Twain-A just war is in the long run far better for a nation's soul than the most prosperous peace obtained by acquiescence in wrong or injustice.

Man is the Only Animal that Blushes. Or needs to.Mark Twain-Man is the Only Animal that Blushes. Or needs to.
Following the Equator (1897)

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'Mark Twain-When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'

Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.Albert Einstein-Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.
(attributed)

The great virtue of my radicalism lies in the fact that I am perfectly ready, if necessary, to be radical on the conservative side.Albert Einstein-The great virtue of my radicalism lies in the fact that I am perfectly ready, if necessary, to be radical on the conservative side.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.Albert Einstein-If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.

Spend and be spent.Mark Twain-Spend and be spent.
sign posted at his grave site

Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!Albert Einstein-Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!

A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.Mark Twain-A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

The great virtue of my radicalism lies in the fact that I am perfectly ready, if necessary, to be radical on the conservative side.Mark Twain-The great virtue of my radicalism lies in the fact that I am perfectly ready, if necessary, to be radical on the conservative side.

Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, 'Certainly I can!' - and get busy and find out how to do it.Mark Twain-Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, "Certainly I can!" - and get busy and find out how to do it.

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.Mark Twain-A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, right or wrong - is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.Mark Twain-To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, right or wrong - is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.Mark Twain-The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life.Albert Einstein-While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life.

Spend and be spent.Albert Einstein-Spend and be spent.
sign posted at his grave site

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.Mark Twain-All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.
Letter to Mrs Foote, Dec. 2, 1887

Do what you can with what you have, where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can with what you have, where you are.

Put out the light.Albert Einstein-Put out the light.
last words, 6 January 1919

America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.Barack Obama-America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.
Nomination Acceptance Speech, 08-28-08

Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination which is necessary, and the combination is rareMark Twain-Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination which is necessary, and the combination is rare
An Autobiography

Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.Mark Twain-Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.
Notebooks (1935)

Do what you can with what you have where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can with what you have where you are.

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.Albert Einstein-A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.

Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination which is necessary, and the combination is rareAlbert Einstein-Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination which is necessary, and the combination is rare
An Autobiography

A just war is in the long run far better for a nation's soul than the most prosperous peace obtained by acquiescence in wrong or injustice.Albert Einstein-A just war is in the long run far better for a nation's soul than the most prosperous peace obtained by acquiescence in wrong or injustice.

Any man who tries to excite class hatred, sectional hate, hate of creeds, any kind of hatred in our community, though he may affect to do it in the interest of the class he is addressing, is in the long run with absolute certainly that class's own worst enemy.Albert Einstein-Any man who tries to excite class hatred, sectional hate, hate of creeds, any kind of hatred in our community, though he may affect to do it in the interest of the class he is addressing, is in the long run with absolute certainly that class's own worst enemy.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again. Because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, he who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat'.Albert Einstein-It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again. Because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, he who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat".

Familiarity breeds contempt - and children.Mark Twain-Familiarity breeds contempt - and children.
Notebooks (1935)

We cannot meet 21st Century challenges with a 20th Century bureaucracy.Barack Obama-We cannot meet 21st Century challenges with a 20th Century bureaucracy.
Nomination Acceptance Speech, 08-28-08

The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.Mark Twain-The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'Albert Einstein-When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'

Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.Albert Einstein-Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
The Man in the Arena

When I say I believe in a square deal i do not mean ... to give every man the best hand. If the cards do not come to any man, or if they do come, and he has not got the power to play them, that is his affair. All I mean is that there shall be no crookedness in the dealing.Albert Einstein-When I say I believe in a square deal i do not mean ... to give every man the best hand. If the cards do not come to any man, or if they do come, and he has not got the power to play them, that is his affair. All I mean is that there shall be no crookedness in the dealing.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Do what you can with what you have where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can with what you have where you are.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.Barack Obama-If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
Election Night Speech in Chicago, 11-04-08

Put out the light.Mark Twain-Put out the light.
last words, 6 January 1919

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.Mark Twain-A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.

While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life.Mark Twain-While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life.

If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.Mark Twain-If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Mark Twain-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not Guilty.'Albert Einstein-When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer "Present" or "Not Guilty."

Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in time.Albert Einstein-Nine-tenths of wisdom consists in being wise in time.

It's not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the doer of deeds might have done them better. Instead, the credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by sweat and blood and tears.Albert Einstein-It's not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the doer of deeds might have done them better. Instead, the credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by sweat and blood and tears.

The report of my death was an exaggeration.Mark Twain-The report of my death was an exaggeration.
New York Journal, June 2, 1897

Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth, the tyranny of plutocracy.Albert Einstein-Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth, the tyranny of plutocracy.
Theodore Roosevelt, an autobiography

Truth is more of a stranger than fiction.Mark Twain-Truth is more of a stranger than fiction.

Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!Mark Twain-Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft!

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, 'Certainly I can!' - and get busy and find out how to do it.Albert Einstein-Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell 'em, "Certainly I can!" - and get busy and find out how to do it.

Do what you can with what you have, where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can with what you have, where you are.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.Albert Einstein-Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.Mark Twain-Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.

The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is at all comprehensible.Albert Einstein-The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is at all comprehensible.

The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.Albert Einstein-The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not Guilty.'Mark Twain-When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer "Present" or "Not Guilty."

We are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight.Barack Obama-We are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight.
Nomination Acceptance Speech, 08-28-08

I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.Barack Obama-I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
Election Night Speech in Chicago, 11-04-08

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.Albert Einstein-It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
"Man in the Arena" Speech given April 23, 1910

Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.Mark Twain-Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894)

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation. Yes we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail towards freedom through the darkest of nights. Yes we can. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness. Yes we can.Barack Obama-It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation. Yes we can. It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail towards freedom through the darkest of nights. Yes we can. It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness. Yes we can.
New Hampshire Democratic Primary Speech, 01-08-08

To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.Albert Einstein-To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth, the tyranny of plutocracy.Mark Twain-Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth, the tyranny of plutocracy.
Theodore Roosevelt, an autobiography

If there is not the war, you don't get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don't get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.Albert Einstein-If there is not the war, you don't get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don't get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.Albert Einstein-It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.
Paris, Sorbonne 1910

When I say I believe in a square deal i do not mean ... to give every man the best hand. If the cards do not come to any man, or if they do come, and he has not got the power to play them, that is his affair. All I mean is that there shall be no crookedness in the dealing.Mark Twain-When I say I believe in a square deal i do not mean ... to give every man the best hand. If the cards do not come to any man, or if they do come, and he has not got the power to play them, that is his affair. All I mean is that there shall be no crookedness in the dealing.

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again. Because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, he who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat'.Mark Twain-It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again. Because there is no effort without error and shortcomings, he who knows the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls who know neither victory nor defeat".

Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.Mark Twain-Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.
The Man in the Arena

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.Mark Twain-It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
"Man in the Arena" Speech given April 23, 1910

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.Mark Twain-It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.
Paris, Sorbonne 1910

If there is not the war, you don't get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don't get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.Mark Twain-If there is not the war, you don't get the great general; if there is not a great occasion, you don't get a great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in a time of peace, no one would have known his name.

It's not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the doer of deeds might have done them better. Instead, the credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by sweat and blood and tears.Mark Twain-It's not the critic who counts. Not the man who points out how the doer of deeds might have done them better. Instead, the credit belongs to the man in the arena whose face is marred by sweat and blood and tears.

To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.Mark Twain-To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.