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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker disregards someone who can only spell a word one way, implying a disdain for rigidity.
In plain terms
He doesn't respect someone who can only spell a word one way.
What can you take from it?
Flexibility in language reflects open-mindedness.

Where it applies

  • education
  • editing
  • language debates

Putting it to work

  • encourage linguistic flexibility
  • avoid judging by minor errors

Questions to consider

  • Why do we judge people by small mistakes?

Another view

Spelling ability is a minor trait and not a measure of worth.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

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  3. It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation …

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