The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
The Character of Man explained
Twain delivers a scathing critique of human nature, arguing that man is fundamentally selfish, intolerant, and lacking in true independence.
What happens
Twain delivers a scathing critique of human nature, arguing that man is fundamentally selfish, intolerant, and lacking in true independence. He dissects societal lies about tolerance, independence, and moral integrity, using examples from politics, religion, and everyday life to illustrate his pessimistic view of humanity.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain systematically exposes the gap between professed ideals (independence, tolerance) and actual behavior (conformity, intolerance).
Character and Morality
The chapter questions the very existence of moral integrity and independent character, arguing that humans are driven by selfishness and inherited instincts.
The American Experience
Twain uses American examples—New England train passengers, political parties, a Hartford clergyman—to illustrate his universal claims about human nature.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
The author and narrator, delivering a philosophical diatribe on human nature.
- Henry Ward Beecher
Mentioned as an example of a public figure whose followers would stand by him if charged with a crime, but not for casting a vote for conscience's sake.
Key passages
“The mainspring of man's nature is just that—selfishness.”
Twain asserts that selfishness is the fundamental driving force of human behavior.
Core thesis of the chapter.
“He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain.”
Twain argues that humans are uniquely malicious among animals, causing suffering deliberately for enjoyment.
Highlights Twain's view of human cruelty.
“We are discreet sheep; we wait to see how the drove is going, and then go with the drove.”
Twain compares humans to sheep, lacking independence and following the crowd.
Illustrates the theme of conformity.