“Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she laid an asteroid.”
- 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
“Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she laid an asteroid.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously critiques the tendency of individuals to overemphasize their achievements or contributions, regardless of how insignificant they may actually be. The image of the hen cackling as if it has laid something monumental—like an asteroid—is a metaphor for how some people make a lot of noise or draw attention to minor successes, pretending they are much more important than they truly are. The underlying message is that noise, or outward displays of excitement, doesn’t necessarily indicate substance or significance. In fact, often the most humble and inconspicuous actions can be just as important without the need for loud celebration.
Twain’s sharp wit here draws attention to the gap between perception and reality. While the hen’s cackling may lead others to believe that it has accomplished something extraordinary, the actual event—a simple egg-laying—is mundane and ordinary. Twain uses this as a commentary on human nature, particularly the tendency to overstate one’s importance or accomplishments, perhaps to gain attention or recognition. This critique is especially relevant in an age of social media, where people often exaggerate or broadcast even the smallest of their achievements to create a façade of greater success or importance.
In contemporary society, this quote resonates in workplaces, social media platforms, and political discourse, where self-promotion and attention-seeking behavior are common. Whether it’s the hype around trivial achievements or the loud proclamations of people with little substance to back them up, Twain’s humor reminds us not to be deceived by exaggeration or noise. True value is not measured by the volume of one’s claims, but by the genuine impact and merit of one’s actions, regardless of how loudly they are announced.
