I admire the serene assurance of those who have religious faith. It is wonderful to observe the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Twain compares religious calm to the confidence of holding a winning poker hand, implying faith offers a psychological advantage similar to having an unbeatable hand.
- In plain terms
- People with faith look calm because they feel sure of their position, like a player with winning cards.
- What can you take from it?
- Confidence often comes from a sense of having an unbeatable advantage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What gives you a sense of calm assurance?
- Is confidence always justified?
Another view
It oversimplifies faith by reducing it to a game strategy.
More from Mark Twain
Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very'; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
Permalink to quote #184 The catfish is a plenty good enough fish for anyone.
Permalink to quote #186 Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it.
Permalink to quote #183
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