Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been.

What it means

Age leaves lines; let them come from laughter. Twain suggests a cheerful life writes itself on the face. Smile more.

The source

"Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been." Mark Twain said it in Following the Equator (1897), ch. 52, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar. Written in English: Following the Equator, 1897.

"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."

Original English (Following the Equator, 1897), Following the Equator (1897), ch. 52, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Mark Twain (1835–1910). American humorist and novelist. His sharpest one-liners appear as Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar in Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894) and Following the Equator (1897).

Questions

What does "Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been." mean?

Age leaves lines; let them come from laughter. Twain suggests a cheerful life writes itself on the face. Smile more.

Who said "Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been."?

Mark Twain (1835–1910). Source: Following the Equator (1897), ch. 52, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar.

What is the original wording?

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been (Original English (Following the Equator, 1897)). Written in English: Following the Equator, 1897.

Is "Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Wrinkles should merely show where smiles have been." (Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897), ch. 52, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar, trans. Original English (Following the Equator, 1897)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/wrinkles-should-merely-show-where-smiles-have-been