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About this quote

What does it mean?
Different American cities value different traits in people. This satire highlights regional cultural priorities regarding wealth and status.
In plain terms
Cities value knowledge, money, or lineage differently.
What can you take from it?
Cultural values vary significantly by region.

Where it applies

  • social introductions
  • business networking
  • cultural analysis

Putting it to work

  • recognize regional biases
  • understand local values

Questions to consider

  • What does your city value most in people?
  • How do local cultures shape success?

Another view

The generalizations may be outdated or overly broad today.

More from Mark Twain

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  2. Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations and resentments flit away and a sunny spirit …

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  3. The report of my death was an exaggeration.

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