“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
- 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
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote uses the metaphor of eating frogs to offer a humorous and practical piece of advice about tackling difficult tasks. The frog represents an unpleasant or challenging task that we would rather avoid. Twain suggests that the best approach is to deal with this unpleasant task immediately, rather than procrastinating or letting it linger. The humor lies in the absurdity of the metaphor—nobody would actually want to eat a frog, but the lesson is clear: it’s better to face tough challenges head-on, especially when they are inevitable.
The second part of the quote, about eating two frogs and tackling the biggest one first, expands on this idea. It advises that when faced with multiple challenges, it’s best to tackle the hardest or most intimidating one first, as it will be the most difficult to face later. By doing so, you free yourself from the dread and uncertainty that would otherwise hang over you. Twain’s wit is evident in the practical nature of the advice paired with the ridiculous image of eating frogs, which makes the message both memorable and humorous.
In modern contexts, this quote applies to how we manage our workload, responsibilities, or any tasks we might be avoiding because they seem difficult or unpleasant. Whether in business, school, or personal projects, Twain’s words encourage us to confront the most daunting tasks first, so we can move forward with a sense of accomplishment and relief. His humor serves as a reminder that putting off difficult tasks often makes them feel more burdensome, and the best approach is to get them out of the way early.
