Mark Twain’s ‘What is Man?’ is an essay written to explore the meanings of life and humanity in a philosophical context. First published over a hundred years ago, the work still resonates with readers today. The essay follows a stream of consciousness style, featuring numerous questions, opinions and musings from the writer. ‘What is Man?’ is Twain’s attempt at understanding what makes us human, why we are here, and what our purpose is on this earth.
In his essay, Twain begins by describing one of his experiences as a young man which profoundly altered his life. He compares himself to Socrates and concludes, “One must study men and life and things, and be prepared for anything that may come”. Twain goes on to reflect on the universal “frailty that is born in man.” He introduces the idea of man being a complex, deceitful and untrustworthy creature, yet despite this, he is still capable of doing great things.
Twain waxes poetic on the two sides of man, the good and the evil, which may seem at odds with one another but in reality, can coexist. He describes man as a “most wonderful animal” and a “capable being,” certainly flawed, but still with potential to reach his full potential. Using his experience and observations of the world around him, Twain explores the concept of free will and whether a person is capable of making meaningful choices that shape our lives.
Twain’s essay poses many questions about the depths of human nature, including why we do and think the things that we do, and why some people are better than others. At its core, ‘What is Man?’ is an exploration of the human condition and our place in the universe. Throughout the essay, Twain also meditates on our relationship with mortality and the importance of living life as fully as we can in order to make the most of our time on Earth
The Human Form
Twain pays close attention to the physicality of humans and their capacity to feel true emotions. He considers the body to be “the most complex and interesting of God’s creations” and suggests that bodily sensations, movements, and capacities can tell us something about the human being. He explains that man’s purpose on earth is to “study, labor, think, act, and be happy or miserable.” Although Twain does not look to the body itself as being a determiner of an individual’s success in life, he does believe that its form and functionality have something to do with a life’s trajectory.
Further, Twain notes that a person’s disposition can be determined by their facial features, mannerisms, and gestures. He states, “It is strange to see what an expression is possible to the human face…it can reflect every emotion, it can express everything that is in the heart.” He believes that our bodies open the door to understanding our inner character and can help us to take stock of man’s role in the world.
Twain’s observations do not discount any particular race or culture in his essay, for he looks at all people, regardless of race, religion, or class as equals. He suggests that we all contain many different facets and that despite any differences, humans are still fundamentally the same. This perspective helps to promote a more harmonious and equal world, lending strength to Twain’s thesis that man is something to be observed and admired.
The Power of the Mind
Twain celebrates the power of the mind and of the imagination to shape our realities. He claims that the “greatest of all gods” are the minds of men and goes on to liken this power with that of the gods: “We are all capable of creating a thousand different images, think a thousand different thoughts, and do a thousand different things.” Twain emphasizes the power of the imagination, suggesting that the power lies in the illimitable capacity of man. The opportunity and scope that the mind provides to explore and discover is what makes Twain consider humanity “the most wonderful of God’s creatures.”
Furthermore, Twain meditates on the power of free will and the autonomy of our decisions. He brings up the subject of death and posits that a person can take control of his own life, instead of being a “slave to fate and chance.” He further emphasizes the importance of this freedom, for he believes that it is up to the individual to determine their destiny and live a life of purpose.
The essay on ‘What is Man?’ is ultimately a call to action for readers to make the most of their lives and to appreciate the beauty of humanity. Twain presents the reader with a powerful tool of understanding and promotes self-reflection and introspection into the inner workings of man.
The Meaning of Life
Twain further explores the concept of life and the meaning of existence. He considers the purpose of life to be “To be happy” and “to reach the highest level of success”. He mentions that while some people reach their highest potentials due to luck or circumstance, there are others who take the initiative to pursue the life they want despite the odds. This is why Twain asserts that the life of man is a “beautiful but dangerous voyage.” It is his belief that the journey of life is not just about achieving success, but cultivating wisdom as well.
Twain goes on to explore the concept of purpose in life by comparing it to a “river”, which continually moves and changes with time. He suggests that we can only truly understand our purpose when we look at the “vast expanse of life”, for this is where the answer lies. Twain muses that life is a journey and that we must accept whatever direction the “river” takes us, and find appreciation and joy in the moments of uncertainty.
Twain also considers death and concludes that it is not something to fear. Throughout the essay, he suggests that death is an unavoidable part of life, but that it can also be used to bring richer meaning and appreciation to life. He claims that the “end is always near the beginning,” and encourages us to focus on the present and find meaningfulness in each moment.
The Human Soul
Twain considers the question of the human soul and its place in this world. He proposes that there is something “authentic” about the soul that is greater than any word can describe. Bringing up the concept of the afterlife, Twain considers the idea that the soul is eternal and is reborn into new lives. He states, “We are all composed of the same deep-down substance, and when the outer form that we call our life passes away, it is only the other side of the same old story.”
Twain also interacts with the concept of free will and regards it as a “blessing” as it allows us to make decisions and choose our own paths in life. He believes that it is up to the individual to make their own choices and that it is our duty to make the best of them. In this sense, Twain encourages us to become masters of our lives and to live in harmony with our moral compasses.
Ultimately, Twain’s essay is a meditation on the human experience. His musings bring up essential questions about man’s place in the universe, the power of the mind, and the pursuit of life’s meaning. Twain’s reflections leave readers with the knowledge that we are all capable of reaching our goals, and the potential to find our true place in the world.
The Role of Religion
Twain’s essay considers the role that religion can play in finding the meaning of life and living in harmony with the earth. He posits that all people of faith, regardless of race or religion, “find comfort and solace in the idea of a higher power”. While Twain is not a religious man, he believes in the principles of understanding and respect, and he holds these up as examples of how the world should behave.
Twain also discusses morality and religion’s importance in influencing us to act for the good of all people. He claims that “all men have a moral code that is rooted in religious teachings” and that when we act in accordance with this, we are better able to make decisions that are in the interest of humanity. In this way, religion can provide a framework for us to adhere to and help us to navigate the moral questions that arise in life.
Twain also considers the role of man in the universe, emphasizing that our lives are small but meaningful, and we must respect one another or else our worlds will “collapse into nothing”. He suggests that if we strive to be better people, if we work to build understanding and acceptance, our lives can be more significant and valuable. This is at the heart of Twain’s essay, an inspiring call to look inward and to make the most of our lives while respecting the lives of others.
Conclusion
Mark Twain’s ‘What is Man?’ is an intimate exploration of life and the human experience. The essay considers questions about the role of man in the universe, our power of free will, the meaning of life, and the importance of religion. Twain encourages readers to look inward, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to live in harmony with one another. This powerful work of literature continues to speak to readers of all backgrounds and beliefs, expressing the truth that deep down, we are all fundamentally the same.
