“Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed down-stairs a step at a time.”
We all struggle with behavioral patterns. We often desire instant transformation. However, human nature rarely allows for sudden changes. Mark Twain understood this internal conflict perfectly. He captured the essence of self-improvement in one memorable sentence. This famous aphorism reminds us that we cannot simply discard our routines. Instead, we must gently guide them away with patience.
The Authentic Origins of the Quote
Many people quote this famous line. Source Yet, few know its exact source. Mark Twain definitely wrote these specific words. Scholars trace the quote back to his 1894 novel, Pudd’nhead Wilson . Twain serialized this story in The Century Magazine earlier that same year.
The novel features a character named David Wilson. The townspeople nickname him “Pudd’nhead.” He maintains a calendar filled with witty maxims. This specific quote appears within that fictional calendar. Twain chose his verbs carefully. He used the word “flung.” This word implies a violent, desperate action. It suggests we try to rid ourselves of habits with force. In contrast, “coaxed” suggests a gentle, persuasive approach. This specific contrast gives the sentence its literary power.
Furthermore, Twain clearly liked this metaphor. He used it again the very next year. He included the line in Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc. This work appeared in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine in May 1895. In this story, the narrator discusses his own resolutions. He resolves to stop deceiving people. He notes that one cannot simply throw such habits out the window. The repetition proves that Twain valued this wisdom. He wanted to emphasize the difficulty of breaking established patterns.
How the Wording Drifted Over Time
Unfortunately, accurate quotation is rare. The wording began to drift almost immediately after publication. Writers started substituting synonyms. They likely relied on imperfect memories rather than the text. Consequently, the quote lost some of its original punch. The sharp verb “flung” often disappeared first.
For example, Mabel Thatcher Wellman altered the quote in 1896. She wrote an article for Education: A Monthly Magazine. She discussed the “Physiological Law of Habit.” In her version, she changed “flung” to “throw.” She wrote: “No man is strong enough to throw habit out of the window.” This change seems minor on the surface. However, it weakens the imagery. “Throw” is a generic action. “Fling” conveys emotion and intensity.
Additionally, the misquotation spread to other fields. The Pennsylvania School Journal reprinted Wellman’s article in 1898. This exposed the inaccurate version to more teachers. Later, Ellen H. Richards used a variation in 1900. She wrote about sanitary science. She also preferred the word “throw.” She claimed habits must be coaxed “one step at a time.” These small changes accumulated over the years. Eventually, the original phrasing became obscure to the general public.
The Strange “Heels and Neck” Variation
Some variations became quite creative. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg offered a unique version in 1915. He wrote an article on sleep for Good Health magazine. Kellogg was a famous health reformer. He apparently felt the original quote needed more physical comedy. He claimed that habits “cannot be taken by the heels and neck and thrown down stairs.”
This version adds a violent image. It suggests a physical wrestling match with our habits. While amusing, it deviates significantly from Twain’s elegant prose. Nevertheless, it shows how the core idea mutated. People kept the metaphor of the stairs. But they changed the method of removal.
The Rise of the “Tossed” Variant
The evolution continued into the mid-20th century. New variations appeared in popular magazines. Coronet magazine published a version in 1948. They used the word “tossed.” This version specifically referenced “bad habits.” The word “tossed” implies a casual action. It lacks the desperation of “flung.”
Then, Reader’s Digest stepped in. Source They printed the “tossed” version in June 1958 . They used it as a filler item. Later, they included it in a quote treasury in 1975. Reader’s Digest possessed a massive readership. Therefore, their version became the standard for many Americans.
Most modern quote books follow this trend. They often use “tossed” or “thrown.” They rarely return to Twain’s original “flung.” E.C. McKenzie’s 1980 book even dropped the attribution completely. He treated it as an anonymous proverb. The saying had become “common wisdom.” It no longer belonged to Twain in the public mind.
The Psychological Wisdom Behind the Metaphor
Why does this quote resonate so deeply? It speaks to a universal human experience. We all try to break bad habits. We often fail when we try to stop “cold turkey.” Twain understood human psychology better than most psychologists. He recognized the stubbornness of the human brain.
The “window” represents the quick fix. We want to be done with the problem instantly. We try to fling the habit out. But habits are stubborn. They refuse to leave that way. They usually come right back in through the door. Our neural pathways resist sudden disruption.
In contrast, the “stairs” represent the reality of change. You must take it one step at a time. You need patience. You need persistence. Furthermore, you must “coax” the habit. You cannot force it. You must negotiate with your own brain. You gently lead the behavior away. You replace it gradually.
Applying Twain’s Advice Today
We can apply this wisdom to modern life. Do not try to change everything at once. Focus on small victories. If you want to quit sugar, do not empty your pantry today. Instead, reduce your intake slightly. Coax the habit down the first step.
- Acknowledge the difficulty: Realize that “flinging” rarely works.
- Plan the steps: Identify what the “stairs” look like for you.
- Be patient: Coaxing takes time.
If you rush, you will likely fail. You might get discouraged. Instead, visualize the staircase. Take one step today. Take another step tomorrow. Eventually, the habit will leave the building. Twain knew this in 1894. Science confirms it today.
Conclusion
Mark Twain gave us a timeless gift with this quote. He reminded us that change is a slow process. While the words have changed over the years, the message remains true. Whether you say “flung,” “thrown,” or “tossed,” the meaning holds. You must respect the power of habit. Treat it with patience. Coax it down the stairs. Only then can you truly close the door on it.