“ 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
| 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
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
