ON: PRINCIPLES

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

When forced by the reality of expediency to compromise a principle, I suggest that it is better to complete the act, and to embrace fully the corresponding vice.  The criticism will be no worse, and the joy will be greater.   

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

I have only one principle to which I adhere.  It is to be guided by none.     

ON: FAILURE

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

To have a talent in a certain skill, and to fail at it is far worse than simple failure, as one then lacks an easily defensible excuse for the failure.  

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

I have a certain skillful talent for easily defending my failures.  I only wish that I could devise a means of profiting by it.    

ON: COMPROMISING

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

The willingness to accept compromise, in either literature or politics, can indicate only two things.  Either one admits to having been wrong, or that one is willing to be wrong. 

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

Half a loaf may be better than none.  It may be totally satisfactory, if the load were big enough before the division.  Only those who have never been hungry will disagree.    

ON: RELATING BAD NEWS

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

The delight we experience in hearing bad news regarding others is exceeded only by the compulsion we feel to pass it on.   

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

I must say this is bad news.   

ON: BEING TRUTHFUL

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

Effective writing need not be truthful, but only convincing.        

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

The same applies to an effective husband.  

DECISION MAKING

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

Indecision does not trouble a man who can not accept several alternatives for every course of action.  I believe that he is usually referred to as "honorable."      

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

I find that if I take too long to make a decision my wife will do it for me.  Sometimes she even makes the decisions before I realize the choices I had. She has decided that it bothers me less this way.  

ON: THE EXCEPTIONAL

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

Lincoln said that the Lord created an exceptional number of common people.  Of course, as this can not be otherwise.  Had He created a large percentage of the exceptional, then the exceptional would be commonly expected... as it is with me.     

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

The common man usually sees himself as exceptional in at least one way.  As we all do this, it is one of the attributes which we most have in common. 

ON: HOPE

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

The only compensation for a pain such as a broken heart is the ability to foresee the next one before it occurs.  Unfortunately this foresight is often blinded by baseless hope.   

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

To hope that things will become better in the future is man's most triumphant joy.  Failure to have this happen is his most characteristic sorrow.  

SUCCESS AND HIGHER EDUCATION

OSCAR WILDE Observes:

A university can train its students for success in the world or instruct them for good, but never both. 

MARK TWAIN Remarks:

Without a degree from a prestigious university those who desire to succeed in the world need to have and to utilize considerable talent and energy.  It is fortunate for the nation that these two categories of men seldom meet, lest each contaminate the other.