Lessons For Life in the Military from Mark Twain

2017-01-24T11:32:43-05:00

I have emulated my career and conduct around the service of General Colin Powell and, oddly enough, around the quotes of Mark Twain. As a young reader, Mark Twain’s plain spoken English and matter of fact life advice appealed to me. I first gained an appreciation for him after reading “Tom Sawyer”, and was addicted to his home-spun charm thereafter.

His most famous sayings are easy to apply to everyday life. Everyone understands, “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Put simply, read books, or you’re no better than an illiterate man. So with his advice, read books, I did. I was voracious, I read everything I could get my hands on. The following are a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes and the impact that the quotes had on my life. My personal heroes tend to embody the many attributes exemplified by Twain.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

Mobs and the loudest voice should not always rule, even if the naysayer is the brunt of ridicule. There are countless examples of those who stood up to the angry crowd, such as St. Maurice, the patron Saint of the Infantry, who refused to bow to the mores of his time and kill innocent Christians.

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”

This quote forced me to examine myself for the first time. It most immediately calls to mind the ideal of a West Point Cadet, which is, “I will not lie, cheat, nor steal or tolerate those who do.”

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.”

I take heed of this quote because I like the idea of the quiet professional. I think it’s important to ensure that your voice is heard when you do decide to say something, and it’s important that that “something” is meaningful.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

To lead a life of empathy and understanding of mankind is my highest aspiration. I’ve always tried emulating my father in this respect. I never heard him say no, and holding a grudge was beyond his capability. Moreover he was completely dedicated to the plight of others.

I think the Twain quotes taught me that living your life with a code can, in the end, be one of life’s most rewarding of challenges. It is an aspiration that you can start today. We are lucky as service personnel that we already serve a higher purpose - that of protecting our country. Our service gives us an automatic bye on developing a contribution that is beyond personal gain. That said, where some of us may use our service as a crutch, others may take the examples of leaders, visionaries, or even inspiring authors to help us live a “purpose-driven” life.

Response by Sgt Bob Leonard made Jan 24 at 2017 11:50 AM

2017-01-24T11:50:24-05:00

I like that his quote about "keeping your mouth closed" parallels what the Bible says, Prov. 17:28 "Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent."

I'd like to add one of my favorites:
"There are Lies. There are damn'd lies. And then there are statistics."
I typically get very vigilant any time someone quotes "statistics" to support or refute a particular position or conclusion. Statistics, or raw data, is information. But without knowing/disclosing how and why, etc. the data was collected, you can often make it lead to just about any conclusion you want.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jan 24 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-01-24T13:04:12-05:00

COL Lee Flemming Sir, you have set your standards very high. General Powell is an amazing man. I was stationed with a MP that used to work on the post where General Powell lived. He would tell me stories of calls that he had to make to the Powell household for some serious calls in dealing with General Powell's wife on a regular basis. His wife has battled serious mental health issues though his entire career and he has not only been an impeccable leader, but a faithful loving father and husband. His love of family is what I respect about him most. While Mark Twain is always good food for thought, trying to live up to the standards of Collin Powell is very noble indeed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 2:13 PM

2017-01-24T14:13:32-05:00

Sir,
Thank you for some food during break. I am reading Tom Sawyer with my granddaughter. It takes her some time to find the meanings of some of the words used (I find myself explaining a lot), but when she does finally understand the meaning in context, she gets a real kick out of it.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jan 25 at 2017 8:52 PM

2017-01-25T20:52:13-05:00

I know little of General Powell, other than I always hear others speak highly of him.

I will also agree that many of Twain's quotes are concise and applicable life lessons in and of themselves.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 2:41 AM

2017-01-26T02:41:29-05:00

COL Lee Flemming Sir, I would have been honored to serve under you!

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Jan 26 at 2017 7:02 AM

2017-01-26T07:02:42-05:00

I have two quotes by him that I wrote on a board in my kitchen
1 "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing"
2 "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's is looking"
Very wise man, IMO we could all learn a thing or two from him

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jan 28 at 2017 8:30 AM

2017-01-28T08:30:49-05:00

And, of course, the one about the "rumors of my death" being "greatly exaggerated." Had not heard the one about "kindness" which I think is really terrific. Thank you for sharing, Sir.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Jan 29 at 2017 12:40 AM

2017-01-29T00:40:29-05:00

He was also the Vice President of the Anti-Imperialists League.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jan 27 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-01-27T09:16:51-05:00

Sir, thank you! Great words! I only wish more men and women thought as you do. If so, our nation who have a capacity unmatched! I would like you to also reach out to one of you academy brothers, Mr. Ronald Steptoe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesteptoegroup), who has an amazing mission. I am proud to be on his team, and though I am USN through and through, I have come to appreciate the men and women of West Point, 1st by his actions and now by the wisdom and counsel of your words. Again, Thank you!

thesteptoegroup)