“When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.”
- 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
“When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously addresses the way people often deal with anger. The first part, “count to four,” suggests a simple technique for calming down or gaining composure when upset—counting can be a way to create a pause and prevent rash decisions or outbursts. The second part, “when very angry, swear,” adds a humorous twist, implying that sometimes, when emotions are intense and uncontrollable, swearing can be a form of release or venting. Twain’s humor lies in the contrast between the more controlled response of counting and the more chaotic and expressive action of swearing when the anger reaches a certain level.
Twain’s remark reflects his satirical view of human nature—while we strive to be controlled in moments of frustration, sometimes the emotional intensity of anger drives people to resort to strong language as a way of expressing their feelings. The quote also pokes fun at the idea that swearing, while often seen as a lack of control, can also be a natural and sometimes cathartic reaction to intense feelings.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with how people deal with stress and anger. Whether in work, relationships, or personal frustrations, the advice to count or swear offers a playful approach to managing intense emotions. Twain’s humor reminds us that venting and self-regulation are both part of the process of dealing with anger, and that sometimes a little humor can help us cope with our human reactions.
