Average Quote by Mark Twain
“An average English word is four letters and a half. By hard, honest labor I've dug all the large words out of my vocabulary and shaved it down till the average is three and a half... I never write metropolis for seven cents, because I can get the same money for city. I never write policeman, because I can get the same price for cop… I never write valetudinarian at all, for not even hunger and wretchedness can humble me to the point where I will do a word like that for seven cents; I wouldn't do it for fifteen.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Language and Economy, Mark Twain, 1885
The author reduces word length to maximize earnings, highlighting the absurdity of valuing words by cost rather than meaning.
In simple terms: Shorter words earn more money.
Key Takeaway
Value meaning over monetary gain.
Themes
economics
language
efficiency
artistry
humor
Mood
witty
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- publishing
- budget constraints
Key Concepts
word length
pricing
literary craft
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize brevity over depth?
- How does market pressure affect your writing?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on profit can diminish artistic quality.
