Mark Twain, an influential American author and humorist, highlights the significance of infants in this thought-provoking quote. He suggests that among the millions of cradles, some children may grow into extraordinary individuals who could shape society profoundly. If society had the ability to recognize which children would make a lasting impact, we would cherish them as treasures and nurture their development. This idea resonates deeply because it shows that every child possesses unique potential that deserves support to thrive, influencing our future positively. Twain's perspective reflects not only his belief in the importance of education and care but also the responsibility of society to recognize and foster talent in its early stages. These insights encourage us to think about how we invest in our youth, emphasizing that their growth is vital for the betterment of our communities and the nation as a whole.
B1 · Intermediate · 143 words · ~1 min
Quote of the day · Mark Twain · Wikiquote

Among the three or four million cradles now rocking in the land are some which this nation would preserve for ages as sacred things, if we could know which ones they are.
— Mark Twain
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- cradle
- a bed for a baby, often designed to rock.
- treasure
- something valuable that is valued highly; to protect or cherish it.
- nurture
- to support and encourage growth or development.
- potential
- the ability to develop into something in the future.
- impact
- the strong effect or influence that something has on a situation.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What does Twain suggest about some infants in cradles?
2.How does Twain believe society should view certain children?
3.What overall message does Twain's quote convey?















































