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Children Quote by Mark Twain

“Missionarying was a better thing in those days than it is in ours. All you had to do was to cure the head savage´s sick daughter by a miracle- a miracle like the miracle of Lourdes in our day, for instance- and immediately that head savage was your convert, and filled to the eyes with a new…” quote by Mark Twain
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“Missionarying was a better thing in those days than it is in ours. All you had to do was to cure the head savage´s sick daughter by a miracle- a miracle like the miracle of Lourdes in our day, for instance- and immediately that head savage was your convert, and filled to the eyes with a new convert´s enthusiasm. You could sit down and make yourself easy now. He would take the ax and convert the rest of the nation himself.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

Source Book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, 1884

Missionary work was once seen as a simple, miraculous solution to cultural conversion, but now it is more complex and problematic.

In simple terms: Missionary work used to be seen as easy and miraculous.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the complexities of cultural exchange.

Themes

colonialism religion culture missionary work ethics

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • historical analysis
  • modern missionary work
  • ethical debates
  • cultural sensitivity

Key Concepts

conversion miracle cultural imperialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we respect cultures while sharing beliefs?
  • What responsibilities do missionaries have today?
A Different Perspective

Simplifies deep cultural interactions to miracles.

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