Life and Career of Mark Twain
Mark Twain is one of the most renowned authors in American literature. Originally born as Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835 in Missouri, Twain achieved nationwide fame through his widely celebrated novels such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Although Twain was renowned for his extensive literary works, his personal life was filled with numerous hardships. During his lifetime, Twain experienced numerous financial adversities and health issues, ultimately leading to his untimely death in 1910.
Financial Struggles
In 1868, Twain experienced his first major financial setback when the company he founded to publish his work, was declared bankrupt. Despite the financial losses, Twain was able to fully recover from these economic misfortunes, earning significant amounts from his book sales and from his speaking engagements.
Health Decline
Throughout his aging years, Twain’s health began to decline with symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing. In addition to his chronic indigestion and arthritis, Twain was known to suffer from depression, insomnia and exhaustion – all of which were likely linked to his existing chronic conditions. It is also believed that Twain’s health was further worsened by his smoking and drinking habits, which would likely have exacerbated his existing medical conditions.
Death of Mark Twain
On April 21st, 1910, Mark Twain passed away at the age of 74. According to his death certificate, the cause of Twain’s passing was stated as angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart. While angina pectoris was the primary cause of death, it is believed that Twain’s overall decline in health due to his physical and mental ailments had ultimately contributed to his passing.
Legacy of Mark Twain
Mark Twain’s legacy continues to endure today. His works have been translated and read throughout the world, and have earned him the title of one of America’s greatest writers. Aside from his literature, Twain is recognized for his political and social activism, speaking out against slavery, racism and gender inequality.
Critics Interpret the Death of Mark Twain
Many academics and literary critics have put forth their own interpretations of Twain’s passing. According to scholar David Starr Jordan, Twain’s death was caused by melancholy and “overwork that had undermined his health.” Jordan reason that Twain’s long-term depression and insomnia had ultimately contributed to his physical decline, suggesting that his death was “due largely to psycho-physiological fatigue.”
Cause of Mark Twain’s Death
In examining the various opinions of Twain’s death, it appears that the primary contributor towards his passing was the accumulation of his health challenges, which includes depression, chronic indigestion, and angina pectoris. Furthermore, it is likely that his smoking and drinking habits had further exacerbated his existing medical conditions, contributing to his ultimate death.
The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health
Twain’s passing highlights the importance of mental health in relation to physical health. Research has consistently demonstrated the damaging impact psychological ailments have on physical health, with depression being linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases – a condition that contributed to Twain’s passing. Furthermore, research has also indicated that psychological issues such as depression and anxiety can significantly weaken the body’s immune system, raising the risk of individuals developing chronic illnesses.
Twain’s Impact on Understanding Mental and Physical Well-Being
Through his passing, Mark Twain has helped to reinforce the notion that mental health should not be overlooked as an important factor when considering an individual’s physical health. Public conversations around physical health should not be seen as mutually exclusive from public conversations around mental health – something that Twain has helped to highlight.
Understanding of Mental and Physical Health through Education
In order to ensure that individuals are aware of the effect psychological issues have on physical health, proper education is key. Mental health courses should be implemented in schools and universities, highlighting the important link between mental and physical well-being. This kind of education should also emphasize the importance of seeking mental health support when needed and enabling individuals to learn how to recognize common symptoms of psychological issues.
Functional Medicine as a Holistic Approach to Mental and Physical Well-Being
In recent years, practitioners of functional medicine have proposed a holistic approach to treating mental and physical ailments. Taking an integrated approach to assessing an individual’s health, this type of medicine seeks to address underlying conditions causing physical and mental issues, rather than viewed through strictly physical or psychological filters. By taking this kind of balanced view, individuals are placed in a better position to manage their mental and physical health in a more holistic manner.
Influence of Mark Twain in Addressing Mental and Physical Health
Through his life and works, Mark Twain had managed to influence society in ways he couldn’t have imagined. Not only had he left behind a lasting legacy of sensational literature that continues to inspire readers around the world, but he also enabled individuals to appreciate the importance of mental and physical health. His death serves as an integral reminder that psychological issues are not to be taken lightly and its effects should not be under-estimated.
