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What Is Man? and Other Essays

Mark Twain

What Is Man? and Other Essays

Mark Twain

21 chapters · ~94,499 words · Challenging · Downloaded 2,627 times on Gutenberg in the last 30 days · Source

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"What Is Man? and Other Essays" by Mark Twain is a collection of essays and philosophical dialogues written in the late 19th century. The essays explore profound inquiries into human nature, morality, and the influences that shape our thoughts and behaviors. The opening dialogue focuses on a conversation between an Old Man and a Young Man, wherein they debate whether human beings are merely machines driven by external influences, leading to a discussion about personal merit and the essence of free will. The beginning of this work sets the stage for Twain’s exploration of existential questions and the concept of man as a machine. The Old Man argues that individuals do not create their thoughts or actions independently; instead, they are influenced and shaped by their experiences and environment, likening humanity's state to that of a complex engine rather than free-thinking beings. He discusses the origins of opinions and virtues, suggesting that every impulse—whether for noble or selfish reasons—is ultimately aimed at appeasing one's inner self.

Summary from Project Gutenberg's catalogue data.

  1. 1WHAT IS MAN? AND OTHER ESSAYS1,374 chars
  2. 2WHAT IS MAN?(1)59,937 chars
  3. 3WHAT IS MAN?(2)59,715 chars
  4. 4WHAT IS MAN?(3)25,984 chars
  5. 5THE DEATH OF JEAN23,174 chars
  6. 6THE TURNING-POINT OF MY LIFE19,875 chars
  7. 7HOW TO MAKE HISTORY DATES STICK28,948 chars
  8. 8THE MEMORABLE ASSASSINATION22,469 chars
  9. 9A SCRAP OF CURIOUS HISTORY16,019 chars
  10. 10SWITZERLAND, THE CRADLE OF LIBERTY22,647 chars
  11. 11AT THE SHRINE OF ST. WAGNER29,551 chars
  12. 12WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS18,507 chars
  13. 13ENGLISH AS SHE IS TAUGHT24,594 chars
  14. 14A SIMPLIFIED ALPHABET9,550 chars
  15. 15AS CONCERNS INTERPRETING THE DEITY14,785 chars
  16. 16CONCERNING TOBACCO6,445 chars
  17. 17THE BEE7,176 chars
  18. 18TAMING THE BICYCLE17,740 chars
  19. 19IS SHAKESPEARE DEAD?(1)59,903 chars
  20. 20IS SHAKESPEARE DEAD?(2)59,716 chars
  21. 21IS SHAKESPEARE DEAD?(3)1,992 chars