If you read this column frequently, then you know I l often use quotations that make me think about this thing we call life. Nineteenth century author, Mark Twain is one I love to quote. Twain, a.k.a. Samuel Clemens, wrote “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” a story about a friendship between a runaway young white boy and runaway slave, a book Ernest Hemingway once praised by saying all modern literature comes from this novel.

The book has been absurdly banned by some school boards due to the use of the “N” word that was accurately realistic for the time period. The truth be known, Twain was an abolitionist and his revolutionary story about the endearing relationship between a white boy and a black man made a bold statement about the need for civil rights in the 1800s.

Twain’s wisdom, humor, and views about life were controversial, but are still relevant today. Let’s give him another whirl and see how what he said 200 years ago reflects upon our American society in 2022 by applying some of his wonderfully insightful quotations to some of our common issues.

On school shootings that have already occurred 27 times in 2022. “We inflame wild beasts with the smell of blood, and then innocently wonder at the wave of brutal appetite that sweeps the land as a consequence.”

What freedom of speech can do. “It’s better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you’re a fool then to open it and remove all doubt.”

About the difference between the truth and lies. “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

About getting old. “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

The problem with school districts. “In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.”

With regard to what we learn in the classroom. “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”

About the leadership we have in Washington. “We have the best government that money can buy.”

To those who attach themselves to a common opinion. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Regarding the desire to seek revenge upon those who cause us pain and suffering. “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

How to vanquish a fear of dying. “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”

What you can do to gain an advantage. “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”

What we should do with our money. “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.”

The truth about worrying too much. “I’m an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”

For anyone who feels entitled to be given everything he or she wants. “Don’t go around thinking the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

For those who procrastinate. “Never put off tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.”

The truth about procrastinating. “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”

How we can stop confrontation. “The human race has only one effective weapon and that is laughter.”

On how to stay away from the doctor’s office. “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.”

How to go about finding that perfect someone. “When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain.”

The glass is half full, not half empty. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

Of the philosophy as to how we should live. “Let us endeavor to live life so that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.”

When to avoid an argument. “Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

Why size doesn’t matter. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight. It’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

On the power of the written word. “The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”

How to acquire knowledge. “It is wiser to find out than to suppose.”

What to do when you feel depressed. “The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.”

About the divisiveness of society caused by the wealthy. “Who are the oppressors? The few: the King, the capitalist, and a handful of other overseers and superintendents. Who are the oppressed? The many: the nations of the earth; the valuable personages; the workers; they that make the bread that the soft-handed and idle eat.”

Here are my favorite two Mark Twain quotes that I read and write over and over again.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

“Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”