Of all the creatures that were made he [man] is the most detestable. Of the entire brood he is the only one - the solitary one - that possesses malice. That is the basest of all instincts, passions, vices - the most hateful...He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain...Also - in all the list he is the only creature that has a nasty mind.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mark Twain says that humanity is uniquely capable of malicious intent and enjoys causing pain, making it the most detestable creature.
- In plain terms
- People are the only beings that can be cruel for fun.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of the capacity for cruelty in ourselves and others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives people to enjoy others' suffering?
- Can cruelty be eradicated?
Another view
It over generalizes all people and ignores altruism.
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