Quote by Mark Twain

So I learned then, that gold in it's native state is but dull, unornamental stuff, and that only low-born metals excite the admiration of the ignorant with an ostentatious glitter. However, like the rest of the world, I still go underrating men of gold and glorifying men of mica. Commonplace human nature cannot rise above that.

So I learned then, that gold in it's native state is but dul

Summary

This quote, by American author Mark Twain, highlights the tendency of human nature to value superficial qualities over genuine substance. Twain metaphorically compares gold, which in its natural state lacks brilliance, to individuals who possess true worth but may not receive the recognition they deserve. He contrasts this with "low-born metals" that superficially impress the ignorant with their dazzling appearance, much like how people often admire those who exhibit an outward display of wealth or status rather than recognizing true character and abilities. The quote suggests that this tendency is ingrained in human nature and difficult to overcome.

Topics

Wisdom Life

By Mark Twain

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

I believe that always, or almost always, in all childhood an

I believe that always, or almost always, in all childhood and in all the lives that follow them, the mother represents madness. Our mothers always remain the strangest, craziest people we've ever met.

Marguerite Duras

Mother

Incidentally, did you know that the whole eight glasses a da

Incidentally, did you know that the whole eight glasses a day thing is complete bullshit and has no scientific basis? So many things are like that. Everyone just assumes they're true, because people are basically lazy and incurious, which incidentally is one of those words that sounds like it wouldn't be a word but is.

John Green An Abundance Of Katherines Colin Singleton

For where God built a church, there the Devil would also bui

For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel.

God

In Hollywood, she's revered, she gets nominated for Oscars,

In Hollywood, she's revered, she gets nominated for Oscars, but I've never heard anyone in the public or among my friends say, 'Oh, I love Winona Ryder.

Love Thepublic

Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its

Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its hope, even the ruins to which it clings.

Gustave Flaubert

Hope

What made marriage so difficult back then was yet again that

What made marriage so difficult back then was yet again that instigator of so many other sorts of heartbreak: the oversize brain.

Marriage Heartbreak Brain Brains

The principle of all successful effort is to try to do not w

The principle of all successful effort is to try to do not what is absolutely the best, but what is easily within our power, and suited for our temperament and condition.

Best

The evolution of the capitalist style of life could be easil

The evolution of the capitalist style of life could be easily -- and perhaps most tellingly -- described in terms of the genesis of the modern Lounge Suit.

Joseph Schumpeter

Capitalism

I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centur

I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.

Thomas Jefferson

Dad

We need to shed our unearthly and nonsocial and idealistic a

We need to shed our unearthly and nonsocial and idealistic and romantic and uber-spiritual visions of kingdom and get back to what Jesus meant. By kingdom, Jesus means: God's Dream Society on earth, spreading out from the land of Israel to encompass the whole world.

Hope Religion Inspirational Justice Religious Christian Discipleship

I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be look

I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be looked up as a champion of human rights.

Aung San Suu Kyi

And what we're doing in Ohio is we're moving from a basic ma

And what we're doing in Ohio is we're moving from a basic manufacturing economy to one that's diversified, including energy and health care and agriculture and IT.

Health