“ Plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities. ”
Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi (1883). copy citation
| Author | Mark Twain |
|---|---|
| Source | Life on the Mississippi |
| Topic | question perplexity directness |
| Date | 1883 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/245/245-h/245-h.htm |
Context
“Finally, it took the form of a distinct question: is it good common sense to do the errand in daytime, when, by a little sacrifice of comfort and inclination, you can have night for it, and no inquisitive eyes around. This settled it. Plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities.
I got my friends into my stateroom, and said I was sorry to create annoyance and disappointment, but that upon reflection it really seemed best that we put our luggage ashore and stop over at Napoleon.” source
I got my friends into my stateroom, and said I was sorry to create annoyance and disappointment, but that upon reflection it really seemed best that we put our luggage ashore and stop over at Napoleon.” source
Meaning and analysis
