Barbara J. Hamby

Great Minds

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I believe I have no prejudices whatsoever. All I need to know is that a man is a member of the human race. That’s bad enough for me. -Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910)

Isn’t it amazing that brilliant repartee has no expiration date. Hal Holbrook did a great imitation of Mark Twain that I remember seeing at some time in the past. He may still be doing it, but I haven’t heard about it lately. Wikipedia tells me that Holbrook is 83 years old now and has had a long and varied acting career.

It’s comforting to know that all great minds are not scientists or brain surgeons. Some are actually poorly compensated writers and teachers. I wonder if Mark Twain had any idea, while he was still alive, how many of his words would live long after him.

I also wonder about a so-called civilization that places such a low value on writers and teachers. Much more monetary value is placed on certain actors and athletes. But, as we are often reminded, nobody said life is fair.