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Kin Hubbard is dead. To us folks that attempt to write a little humor his death is just like Edison's would be to the world of invention. No man in our generation was within a mile of him, and I am so glad that I didn't wait for him to go to send flowers. I have said it from the stage and in print for twenty years. Just think- only two lines a day, yet he expressed more original philosophy in 'em than all the rest of the paper combined. What a kick Twain and all that gang will get out of Kin.

Kin Hubbard#58

DeathHumorLegacyOriginalityWriting

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author praises Kin Hubbard's unique humor and impact, noting he died too soon.
In plain terms
Hubbard wrote little but said more than others, and his peers wish they honored him sooner.
What can you take from it?
Great talent is often recognized too late; appreciate it while alive.

Where it applies

  • Writing circles
  • honoring colleagues
  • posthumous recognition

Putting it to work

  • Acknowledge talent now, not later
  • value concise originality

Questions to consider

  • Do you wait to praise people until they are gone?
  • What defines true originality?

Another view

Comparing humorists to inventors may oversimplify their craft.

More from Kin Hubbard

  1. You won't skid if you stay in a rut.

    Permalink to quote #57
  2. Why doesn't the fellow who says 'I'm no speechmaker' let it go at that instead of giving a demonstration?

    Permalink to quote #56
  3. When a fellow says, 'It ain't the money but the principle of the thing,' it's the money.

    Permalink to quote #55

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