This quote is a clever metaphor about the overuse of dramatic elements in writing. Twain is suggesting that if a writer constantly uses grand, explosive events (represented here by thunder and lightning), the reader will eventually become desensitized to them. Just as someone might initially hide under the bed during a thunderstorm, they would stop doing so if thunderstorms happened all the time. Similarly, a reader can lose interest or stop reacting emotionally to a story if it’s always in a state of high drama.

This quote is applicable in today’s world in several ways. In the media, for example, if news outlets constantly use sensational headlines or focus only on the most dramatic events, audiences can become numb to these tactics. They may stop paying attention or lose trust in the source. This concept can also be seen in marketing. If a company constantly uses high-pressure sales tactics or makes every product seem like a must-have, customers may eventually tune out these messages.

In terms of personal development, this quote speaks to the importance of balance and moderation. If we’re constantly in a state of high stress or always pushing ourselves to the extreme, we may lose our ability to react appropriately to truly important or dramatic events. We might also burn out or become overwhelmed. Just as a good story has a mix of quieter and more dramatic moments, a balanced life has times of rest and times of action. This quote reminds us to avoid constant extremes, whether in our writing, our consumption of media, or our personal lives.