Background of Mark Twain and His Atheism
Mark Twain, born in 1835, was an American author, humorist, and satirist. A prominent figure in 19th-century literary culture, Twain had become a public figure in the United States and the world. As a speaker and lecturer, he was known for his wit and sarcasm. His most famous works include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Twain’s views on religion and atheism were both deeply influential and highly contested. He often mocked religions, which infuriated some religious leaders. In 1887, Twain wrote, “Religion consists in a set of things which the average man thinks he believes, and wishes he was certain of.” Many of Twain’s contemporaries—both religious and not—debated his atheism, as Twain refused to clearly state whether he truly believed in a higher power or not.
Twain often attributed his skepticism toward faith to his Puritan upbringing. In his autobiography, Twain wrote, “I was brought up a strict Presbyterian—that is to say, I was taught the aristocracy of our species: which is the belief that nothing which is seen and tangible and understandable is of any real or lasting importance.”
Twain’s Sayings and Satirical Remarks about Religion
Despite his harsh criticisms of religion, Twain publicly said he valued his early religious studies—although he had since come to reject what he learned. He particularly criticized the practice of making children believe in a deity before they could think for themselves and make their own decisions. These condemnations of organized religion were often used as wry jokes.
In a 1906 address to the New England Society in New York, Twain famously remarked, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so.” This remark, of course, amused much of the audience, yet still articulated a deeper truth—that faith, in many respects, is not grounded in fact or reason.
At an 1895 Harvard college event, Twain told the audience, “I cannot see how a man of any large degree of humorous perception can ever be religious—unless he purposely shut the eyes of his mind & keep them shut by force … there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.” His jokes, of course, were met with much uproar—however, it’s evident that they pointedly shook the conscience of some people in the audience.
Public Perception of Twain’s Atheism
Twain’s remarks polarised public opinion—some viewed him as a blasphemous heathen, while others saw him as an iconoclast revealing uncomfortable truths about religion. Regardless, his revolutionary views on religion caused a stir wherever he went.
Many early 20th-century atheists took Twain’s writings as source material for their own activism and scholarship. Similarly, many religious people of the time treasured Twain’s theism, whether or not they were in agreement with his opinions. Some argued that he was quietly attempting to tell people to embrace some understanding of faith, although much of what Twain had to say directly contradicted this.
What Twain Thought about Atheism
Twain never gave a clear answer on his views of atheism as a whole. Similarly, his views on religion shifted throughout his life as his views of the world changed. He often said that he was either an agnostic or an atheist, yet he never committed wholly to any of these labels.
At certain points in his life, however, Twain seemed to side with the atheists. In 1895, Twain wrote, “The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.” This remark furthered the speculation that Twain was an atheist and highlighted the hypocrisy of organized religion in his eyes.
In Twain’s personal life and writings, little evidence of religious practices—such as prayer or moral teachings—emerges. Twain mainly wrote about religion as a source of satire and amusement and was never completely comfortable about subscribing to any particular view on it.
Analysis of Mark Twain’s Atheism
Twain’s atheism became a source of controversy and debate in many of his circles. Most agree, however, that Twain took an agnostic and somewhat skeptical approach to religious practice and that he went so far as to mock organized religion, which was seen as a very disrespectful act at the time. Most significantly, Twain’s agnostic views signal a shift in American culture and are indicative of his progressive thinking on topics of faith and religion.
Some argue that Twain didn’t deny the existence of a higher power—he merely disagreed with the articulation and practice of organized religion. Others claim, however, that Twain was an atheist. While the truth and Twain’s personal opinion is lost to history, it’s evident that his views challenged the norms of his contemporary society and pushed the limits of discourse in the United States and the world.
Impact of Mark Twain’s Atheism and Writing
Twain’s atheism and writing had a tremendous impact during his lifetime, and it’s continued to leave a lasting impression since his death in 1910. His daring views are credited as being ahead of their time, and his works remain ever-relevant. His attitudes about religion and his world-renowned satirical writings will continue to shape the discourse surrounding faith.
Twain’s works, in particular, challenge readers to question and challenge preconceived notions about religion and the world. His agnostic views have inspired generations to think critically and independently and pushed many to reconsider the institutions of their time.
Effect of Mark Twain’s Atheism on His Autobiography
Twain’s agnostic views on religion also heavily influenced his autobiography—which, curiously, was published posthumously in 1924. In the book, Twain attributes his skepticism toward faith to his Puritan upbringing and expresses his distaste for religious dogma. Twain’s views are even more strongly expressed when he writes, “I cannot see how a man of any large degree of humorous perception can ever be religious—unless he purposely shut the eyes of his mind & keep them shut by force.”
These remarks, however, were met with backlash. Recognizing this, Twain wrote later, “When I read [my autobiography], I realize how wrong it is to say or imply the worst of any person or thing without first giving that person or thing a chance to be heard in defense.”
This statement is interpreted as swift movement away from Twain’s previously hardened stance on religion, as he actively sought to defend his previous remarks in the autobiography. Regardless of whether he truly believed in a higher power, this instance shows a more relaxed Twain—one who was not as comfortable as he previously was in his aggression toward faith.
Influence of Mark Twain’s Atheism in the Present Day
The influence of Twain’s works, especially on religious topics, is still felt in the present day. His thoughts on atheism remain an important source for modern debates and discourse on religion. Twain’s fearless attitude toward religious institutions and belief systems continues to embolden skeptics, agnostics, and religious people alike.
In the present day, atheists especially cite Twain’s works as important resources in furthering their cause. To them, Twain provided a model of skepticism that laid the groundwork for their discourse and criticism. His wise and thoughtful musings on the intersection of faith, philosophy, and psychology—all of which inspired future generations to ask questions and look for answers.
Significance of Mark Twain’s Atheism
The significance of Twain’s atheism should not go unnoticed. His views and works on religion remain a relevant source for debate and discourse on the topic—all of which led to the rising tide of agnosticism and atheism in the United States and the world.
It’s still unclear, however, to what degree Twain truly believed in a higher power. Although most agreed that he was likely an agnostic, his musings on atheism still echo through time. He shows that we should strive to create our own opinions and think for ourselves when it comes to religious matters—and to never be afraid of challenging the status quo.
Twain’s Defense of Atheism
Towards the end of his life, Twain began to more openly defend atheism and criticize the stagnation of organized religion. In one of his more famous speeches, “The Return to Providence,” Twain argued that religions had lost the power to shock, scold and chastise people effectively. Twain was a firm believer in individual liberty and argued that religion should not oppress people, yet empower them to make their own decisions.
Twain’s views on atheism set him apart from many of his contemporaries, while concurrently inspiring other atheists and agnostics to challenge and criticize religious dogma. His influence on atheism has been huge and has been felt by everyone from writers to comedians to religious practitioners.
Twain’s Legacy as an Atheist Icon
Today, Twain is regarded as an extremely influential figure in the history of atheism. His criticisms on religion, religious customs, and dogma are amongst the most famous in the United States. His words of wisdom continue to resonate with many atheists, agnostics, and religious people alike.
Twain’s writings and public speaking events on atheism laid the groundwork for modern atheism. Future thinkers will undoubtedly look to him for inspiration and guidance on how to express and defend their views on religion.
