Homely truth is unpalatable. — Mark Twain

Often, the less there is to justify a traditional custom, the harder it is to get rid of it.

Work consists of whatever a body is OBLIGED to do, and...Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do.

“What’s your name?”

“Becky Thatcher. What’s yours? Oh, I know. It’s Thomas Sawyer.”

“That’s the name they lick me by. I’m Tom when I’m good.”