Mark Twain is one of the most frequently quoted writers in American literature, having commented on almost every issue of his time. Much of what he said over nine decades ago remains relevant today. A diverse collection of his quotes are carved in the sandstone walls throughout the new Museum Center.

– Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.
Following the Equator, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

– We ought never to do wrong when people are looking.
A Double–Barreled Detective Story

– Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.
Notebook, 1902

– Always obey your parents when they are present
"Advice to Youth", 5/15/1882

– A full belly is little worth where the mind is starved.
The Prince and the Pauper, Chapt. IV

– Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.
Pudd'nhead Wilson

– Character is the architect of achievements.
Lecture – Defense of General Funston

– Always respect your superiors, if you have any.
Advice to Youth, 5/15/1882

– Prosperity is the best protector of principle.
Following the Equator; Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

– An uneasy conscience is a hair in the mouth.
Notebook, 1904

– There is no sadder thing than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.
Mark Twain's Notebook, 1902-1903

– Architects cannot teach nature anything.
A Memorable Midnight Experience, E&E, p.4

– The man with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.
Following the Equator

– All good things arrive unto them that wait – and don't die in the meantime.
Letter from SLC to Orion

– Travel is fatal to prejudice.
Innocents Abroad

– A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
What is Man? And other Essays, Chapter II

– Be good and you will be lonesome.
Flyleaf of Following the Equator "Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

– Honor is a harder master than the law.
Statement released in August 1895, Speeches/Paine, p. 197

– Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
Note to the Young People's Society, Greenpoint Presbyterian Church, 1901

– When in doubt, tell the truth.
Following the Equator, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

– Do your duty today and repent tomorrow.
More Maxims of Mark, p. 6

– There is nothing in the world like persuasive speech to fuddle the mental apparatus.
The Man that Corrupted Hadleyberg

– If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.
Notebook, 1894

– Books are the liberated spirits of men.
Letter 2/22/1894

– I was born modest, but it didn't last.
Speech 3/4/1906

– If books are not good company, where will I find it?
Letter to M. Fairbanks from SLC

– May you always keep your youth.
Speech 9/1906

– Clothes do not merely make the man . . . clothes are the man.
The Czar's Soliloquy"

–To eat is human . . . to digest, divine