마크 트웨인
American writer and humorist
1,104 records in all
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Photo: A.F. Bradley, New York Public domain Original cropped
47 basic records of 315
Episodes are real events from public sources, summarised by us.
Bixby demanded that Twain remember the exact water depth at hundreds of different shoal places and how those depths changed between trips. Twain initially felt he lacked the brainpower for such a task and wanted to quit, but Bixby refused to let him give up.
LessonHigh-stakes decision making requires the discipline to track and recall specific, changing data points across many different scenarios.
Twain's colleagues at the Enterprise used to hide his candles to provoke his famous temper. He eventually posted a placard with threats to stop the thieves, but they stole both the placard and the candle.
LessonWorkplace pranks and high-pressure environments can sometimes reveal a person's true character and creative energy.
In his early legislative reports, Twain made many mistakes but was very frank about his ignorance. This honesty became a charm of his writing, and he eventually mastered the technical aspects with help from a mentor.
LessonTransparency about your learning curve can build trust and rapport with your audience.
신문사의 검열 정책 때문에 경찰의 태만을 기사로 쓸 수 없게 되자, Mark Twain은 잠든 경찰관 옆에서 양배추 잎으로 부채질을 하며 군중을 모았어요. 그는 기사 대신 직접적인 행동으로 도시 전체에 그 농담이 퍼지게 만들었어요.
LessonWhen formal channels of communication are blocked, creative public action can still achieve the desired impact.
Twain and his companions tried to write a happy ending for a story about a shy man named Brown. They struggled because Brown's character traits made every logical solution impossible without offending someone or lying.
LessonInconsistent character traits or conflicting values can make a simple problem impossible to solve.
Twain recounts an observation by Philip Chauncy where an aboriginal man stood as a target for professional bowlers for thirty minutes. He successfully dodged or parried every ball using only a narrow shield and his extraordinary agility.
LessonExtreme focus and specialized training can produce results that seem impossible to those with general skills.
Twain describes how natives dug perfectly circular wells fourteen feet deep in sand using only their hands and feet. He marvels at the technical mystery of how they removed sand and prevented cave-ins in such a narrow space.
LessonResourcefulness and unique methods can overcome severe physical and environmental constraints.
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