Quote Commentary 11...Mark Twain

Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest
--Mark Twain

Our featured today is all-American author and humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens who prefers his self-endowed sobriquet entailing common riverboating slang meaning that the depth of the water where they currently floated was equal to two fathoms, or twelve feet. Twain meaning literally, two.

In this obscure quote Mr. Clemens tells us that there are twain responses to our desicion to do right. The first is the minority of people that expected us to, and they will be the ones to breath a sigh of satisfaction and well-deserved trust on your part. The second are the majority who are stunned by your show of selflessness and humility, but will walk a way with a much greater feel of respect towards you.

As far as principles go, this adage would be well suited among the elite in your catalogue of character. Bringing it to mind in each instance where you have to choose to gratify your self and the majority, and thus astonishing and disappointing the minority, or vice versa. Chances are most people want to see you do the wrong thing. They want a show, some drama.

For instance, if one wrongs you, your instinct and desire will want to repay the injustice. And you can bet the whole crowd will be feeding that fire. They'll buy tickets to see the eye for the eye and the tooth for the tooth, but will throw produce at anyone who tries to turn the other cheek. The only fire that should be fed is one that will truly heap the coals on the enemies head, and that fire is fed by maintaing your kindness and love despite the disservice. You'll find that your unshakeable integrity and character will astonish those who thought you weak, and gratify those you knew who you weren't. Though those astonished will criticize your peace-keeping, I believe that you will have earned their respect and trust, and those cannot be bought.

Always do what is right. Be unshakeable.