Books Quote by Mark Twain
“I will now claim - until dispossesed - that I was the first person in the world to apply the typewriter to literature. ... The early machine was full of caprices, full of defects- devilish ones. It had as many immoralities as the machine of today has virtues. After a year or two I found that it was degrading my character, so I thought I would give it to Howells. ... He took it home to Boston, and my morals began to improve, but his have never recovered.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Mysterious Stranger" (published 1902)
The writer humorously claims to be the first to use a typewriter for literature, noting its quirks and moral impact.
In simple terms: First literary typewriter user, noting its flaws and moral effect.
Key Takeaway
Beware tools that erode character.
Themes
humor
technology
self‑reflection
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
anecdotal
humorous
When to use this quote
- writing
- personal development
- technology adoption
- creative process
Key Concepts
literary history
ethics
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do tools shape our morals?
- How do we balance innovation with integrity?
A Different Perspective
The claim may be exaggerated and not historically accurate.
