Believe Quote by Mark Twain
“I speak French with timidity, and not flowingly--except when excited. When using that language I have often noticed that I have hardly ever been mistaken for a Frenchman, except, perhaps, by horses; never, I believe, by people.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Innocents Abroad", 1869
The speaker feels insecure speaking French, only becoming fluent when passionate, and notes that even horses mistake him for a Frenchman, not people.
In simple terms: He lacks confidence in French, except when excited.
Key Takeaway
Embrace confidence when passionate.
Themes
insecurity
language
identity
Mood
self‑conscious
reflective
Type
personal anecdote
humorous
When to use this quote
- travel
- language learning
- social interaction
- performance anxiety
Key Concepts
self-consciousness
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does excitement change your language ability?
- Why do people judge language proficiency?
A Different Perspective
Confidence may not translate to competence in all contexts.
