Introduction
Mark Twain is one of the most well-known American authors and humorists to have ever lived. Born in 1835 and based in Missouri, USA, he wrote some of the most popular and memorable works of fiction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including stories such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, and The Prince and the Pauper. Twain’s writings were characterized by his trademark wit, keen observations of human nature, and his love of language. But what does it mean to be “a man of Mark Twain”?
Contextualizing Mark Twain
Beneath Mark Twain’s storytelling and witticism lies a moral core that is often taken for granted. He may be known for the timeless values he embedded within his works, but what does it mean to be truly “a man of Mark Twain”? Could it be his rebelliousness, a willingness to correspond with Thomas Edison and examine the “dark” state of the country, or a combination of these and other traits? Twain’s moral imperatives conveyed in his works, such as stand up for honesty, take responsibility of your actions, and be kind to others were deep-rooted values that he valued and strived to explore in his works.
Fostering Moral Values
Mark Twain was an advocate for moral living. His championing of right and wrong, ethical behavior, and his criticism of ill morality was a recurring theme throughout his works. He was an advocate for the rights of oppressed peoples, and many of his writings explored these issues with a satirical edge.
Twain criticized white supremacy, arguing that people of any skin color should have equal rights, in his 1880 essay “Political Economy.” He also ridiculed colonialism and other forms of imperialism, such as the occupation of Hawaii by the United States in the late 19th Century. In a letter to the New York Sun, he wrote, “We take our great power in one hand and our Bible in the other, and with the one we screw for all that is possible of the wealth and resources of distant lands, and with the other we outface and defy righteousness.”
Standing Up for Humanity
Mark Twain was a noted humanist and defender of civil liberties. He opposed censorship and combatant language by national governments with a moral vigor. He famously wrote, “But I persist in believing that peace and ample justice are better than war, and that gold is better than blood.”
In 1889, Twain made a number of public appearances in support of free speech and free press. In one such appearance, he stated, “Every man has the right to utter what he thinks truth, and every other man has the right to knock him down for it. ”Twain also spoke about the power of literature in creating change and understanding, stating “The most effective weapon against the powers of darkness is a little red candle and a book.”
Living a Philosophical Life
For Mark Twain, to be a man of his name was to embrace human understandings of the absurd and embrace the joy of life. His lectures and essays illustrated his philosophy of life, his views were not one of resignation but one of taking responsibility and doggedly pursuing one’s dreams and ambitions. Twain’s best-known works often explored ideas of self-discovery and personal growth, including the growth of young boys into capable men.
Twain also believed strongly in the power of education. In his novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the character of Tom Sawyer is shown to learn the value of hard work and ambition by working hard and dedicating himself to his studies. This is an example of an appreciation of learning and knowledge which Twain thought necessary for individuals to flourish and grow.
A Moral Faith
Mark Twain’s works have a moral fervor, a soul. His writing stands as testament to his deep-rooted faith in humanity, his love of nature and ideas, and his profound excitement for life. A man of Mark Twain passionately embraces the heavy and the light with equanimity, offering dark humor and fresh insights. This reaction to the world, the expression of his beliefs, the willingness to stand up for what is right, is what gives his writing it enduring power.
Implication in Technology
The implications of Mark Twain’s philosophies are being felt even today in the digital age. His teachings of honest and clear speech, humble learning, and curiosity in human affairs, form the foundation of contemporary technology. According to Richard Saul Wurman, a student of Mark Twain’s, “Twain’s concept of honesty, of directness in communication, of simplifying complexity and of questioning accepted methods … have been adopted, refined and made to work in modern business, including the development of new technological revolutions.”
Traits of modesty, integrity, wit, and humor have been built into technological products that strive to make the lives of users easier and more fulfilling. Mark Twain’s legacy lives on in products like the Apple Watch, Alexa, and Google Home, which helps us bridge the disconnectedness of technology.
A Higher Level of Understanding
Mark Twain’s commitment to creating a better world often flew in the face of the status quo and he used his writing to push boundaries and to challenge the dominant views of his time. He was an advocate for the rights of individuals, whether men and women, African Americans, Native Americans, or Hawaiians. His challenging of traditional social structures and morality stands as an inspiration to us all to strive for a higher level of understanding of the world and others.
By examining his works, his philosophy, his personal life, we can gain insight into a deeper, truer America and world. As Ray Bradbury writes, “Mark Twain provides us with the warm breath of life, to see the world clearly, to understand ourselves and grow in the nourishment of our spirit.”
Conclusion
As we examine the life and works of Mark Twain, it’s clear he was an enlightened thinker and philosopher. His words still echo in the present day, guiding us to strive for moral justice, to question the status quo, and to overcome the divisions that still exist today. Although Twain’s life and works are more than a century old, they still remain very relevant in today’s modern world.
