Recently caught up on a bunch of old New Yorker issues and can't stop thinking about this Mark Twain essay, first written in 1905.
In both professional and personal situations, I'm often amazed by the discomfort some people display in speaking their minds. I've seen accomplished, seemingly confident adults go to extreme lengths (hedging, lying, avoiding conversation altogether) to remain safe and popular in a group setting. It's uninspiring behavior.
Twain's essay remains politically relevant, and it resonates with me on a personal level, as well. Free speech isn't just a privilege of the grave.
(BTW--you'll need a New Yorker digital account to read the full text of the essay.)
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