Mark Twain's What Is Man? and Other Essays is a collection of essays and philosophical dialogues written in the late 19th century. The work delves into profound questions about human nature, morality, and the influences that shape our thoughts and actions.
The opening dialogue begins with a conversation between an Old Man and a Young Man, debating whether humans are merely machines driven by external forces. This discussion evolves into an exploration of personal merit and the essence of free will, setting the stage for Twain’s broader philosophical inquiries into human existence.
The Old Man argues that individuals do not independently generate their thoughts or actions but are instead shaped by their experiences and environments. He compares humanity to a complex engine, suggesting that opinions and virtues are not inherently self-created. According to the Old Man, every impulse?whether noble or selfish?is ultimately aimed at satisfying one’s inner self. This provocative premise invites readers to reflect on the nature of their own motivations and the fundamental essence of human existence.
