Mark Twain quote about knowledge from Life on the Mississippi - I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know.
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I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know.
 Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi (1883). copy citation

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Author Mark Twain
Source Life on the Mississippi
Topic knowledge humility answer
Date 1883
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/245/245-h/245-h.htm

Context

“'Father in heaven, the day is declining,' etc.
It seemed to me that I had put my life in the keeping of a peculiarly reckless outcast. Presently he turned on me and said:—
'What's the name of the first point above New Orleans?'
I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know.
'Don't know?'
This manner jolted me. I was down at the foot again, in a moment. But I had to say just what I had said before.
'Well, you're a smart one,' said Mr. Bixby. 'What's the name of the next point?'” source

Meaning and analysis

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