# The Character of Man explained — The Autobiography of Mark Twain

> Chapter companion for The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters/volume-ii-the-character-of-man
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_autobiography_of_mark_twain_se/chapters