“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously distinguishes between climate—the long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions—and weather, the short-term fluctuations that happen on any given day. “Climate is what we expect” refers to the predictable nature of the climate, based on long-term data and expectations of seasonal patterns. On the other hand, “weather is what we get” underscores the unpredictability and variability of day-to-day conditions, which can change unexpectedly. The humor here lies in the contrast between the stability of climate and the chaotic nature of weather, which can surprise us despite our expectations.
Twain’s comment reflects his keen awareness of how humans often confuse the predictable with the unpredictable and how our expectations are frequently at odds with the reality of the natural world. While we might anticipate certain conditions based on climate, the weather can be full of surprises, which is part of what makes it so interesting, frustrating, or amusing. His wit also speaks to the inconsistencies we often encounter in life, not just in the weather, but in many aspects of the world around us, where expectations don’t always align with outcomes.
In modern terms, this quote is often used in the context of climate change discussions, where climate refers to long-term shifts in atmospheric conditions, while weather represents the immediate fluctuations that are becoming more extreme and unpredictable due to global warming. Twain’s words remind us that, while we can rely on long-term trends for climate, the immediate weather is something that can still catch us off guard, emphasizing the need to adapt to the unpredictability of nature.
