There is no character, howsoever good and fine, but it can be destroyed by ridicule, howsoever poor and witless. Observe the ass, for instance; his character is about perfect, he is the choicest spirit among all the humbler animals, yet see what ridicule has brought him to. Instead of feeling complimented when we are called an ass, we are left in doubt.
– Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson
August 19, 2010 at 4:01 am
Leave it to Mark Twain to come up with such pithy wisdom.
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August 19, 2010 at 5:12 am
Hmmm, perhaps they mean a different kind of ass when they call us that.
Di
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August 19, 2010 at 7:03 am
Mark Twain must have spent time around donkeys to be so wise about them.
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August 19, 2010 at 7:07 am
I think I am with Di on this one:) I always say that when a person is compared to an animal, that is an insult to the animal.
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August 19, 2010 at 7:24 am
Everything’s a matter of perspective…
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August 19, 2010 at 7:43 am
I’m liking Mark Twain more and more. People who don’t know these sweet creatures are poorer for it. Thanks for sharing!
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August 19, 2010 at 8:41 am
Ellesworth is, in my opinion, a very noble character indeed. He won my heart over the first time I saw his fine face.
xoxo
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August 19, 2010 at 9:33 am
A wise quote from a wise (Show Me State :)) man. In fact, I worked at his birthplace museum (near my hometown) the summer after I graduated HS. Forever a fan, I am. And I do love this quote!! That picture is too sweet for words 🙂
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August 19, 2010 at 10:31 am
I have no words of wisdom like the rest of you, but I love the photo! 🙂
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August 19, 2010 at 11:25 am
I’m inspired to read more Twain…
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August 19, 2010 at 4:51 pm
How timely the quote. I just said in my own blog that I had called people jackasses until I started reading yours and Carson’s blogs and fell in love with donkeys. And now the phrase jackass is too good for most of the humans I called their name before now. I also have a bloggie buddy Holly at The Banner Haus News who calls all her followers “donkey frens”….I am always highly complimented.
And yes the photo is wonderful.
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August 19, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Beautiful. Sensitive. Thank you to you, your husband and your exquisite, beloved animal souls.
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August 20, 2010 at 5:56 am
That picture is . . . trust . . . and understanding . . . and comfort. What a bond.
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August 21, 2010 at 8:21 am
What a great quote of Mark Twain!
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