Who said “Thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.”?

Verified

Mark Twain. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLetter to an Unidentified Person (1908)

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“Thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.”
— Mark Twain
VerifiedLetter to an Unidentified Person (1908) · evidenceWork
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Letter to an Unidentified Person (1908).

APA

Twain, M. (n.d.). Thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42603-thunder-is-impressive-but-it-is-lightning-that/

MLA

Twain, Mark. “Thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42603-thunder-is-impressive-but-it-is-lightning-that/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Twain, Mark. “Thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/42603-thunder-is-impressive-but-it-is-lightning-that/.

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