Quote of the Day: “Self-Made”
“A self-made man is about as possible as a self-laid egg” —Mark Twain
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Hustler of Culture
Hustler of Culture
“A self-made man is about as possible as a self-laid egg” —Mark Twain
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Actually, it was political scientist Francis Leiber, which I believe could be found in a letter from 1882. The specific quote you’re looking for is: “Self made men, indeed! Why don’t you tell me of the self-laid egg?” Twain is frequently misattributed. I don’t believe Clemens said it. He was too independent-minded, too indeed “self-made” to say this. Of course, if you can cite a source, I’m happy to be proven wrong. But I have read nearly all of Twain twice. 🙂
Actually, it was political scientist Francis Leiber, which I believe could be found in a letter from 1882. The specific quote you’re looking for is: “Self made men, indeed! Why don’t you tell me of the self-laid egg?” Twain is frequently misattributed. I don’t believe Clemens said it. He was too independent-minded, too indeed “self-made” to say this. Of course, if you can cite a source, I’m happy to be proven wrong. But I have read nearly all of Twain twice. 🙂
I’ve just done a search through Amazon within a few Twain volumes for “self-laid” and “egg” and can find no citation of this quote.
If Twain did indeed say this, I’d certainly be curious. Because this is very uncharacteristic.
I’ve just done a search through Amazon within a few Twain volumes for “self-laid” and “egg” and can find no citation of this quote.
If Twain did indeed say this, I’d certainly be curious. Because this is very uncharacteristic.
I just heard it muttered at a Passover Seder so I got no source. I’ll take your word on the Leiber.
I just heard it muttered at a Passover Seder so I got no source. I’ll take your word on the Leiber.