Mark Twain is viewed as the principal figure in American literature. He makes a comparison between human beings and other animals in terms of attributes. The results are quite humiliating to people. In his comparison to other animals, man is the cruelest animal and never satisfied with what he has. He always wants to acquire more and more regardless of other people’s sufferings. In addition to that, he is the only animal that is obscene, vulgar, and indecent. All these traits have been invented by him (Twain 2).
According to Mark Twain, millions have been accumulated by the majority of men in the world. Even if they are not using it, they always want to accumulate more and more. As a result, they end up cheating individuals who are helpless and ignorant in order to satisfy their appetites. For example, animals only gather enough food for their survival. For instance, various species of birds, bees, and squirrels accumulate food, but when they fill their winter supply, they stop their activity.
In such a case, nothing would make them acquire more than what they need. This is a clear indication of the great distinction that exists between the higher animals and man. Men are miserly and greedy.
Humans have descended from the cat family. The cat family portrays morals that are loose. As a result, man has taken the worse from them. However, the author does not consider the aspect of unconsciousness. For example, in comparison to man, the cat is extremely innocent. Furthermore, as discussed earlier, obscenity, indecency, and vulgarity were all invented by people. These traits are non-existence among the higher animals. These animals are honest and not ashamed of themselves. Man with a mind that is soiled hides himself. The cruelty of humans is portrayed in various ways. They can gouge out the eyes of a prisoner, make use of a red iron to injure their enemies and enslave hopeless and poor individuals.
They derive pleasure by inflicting pain on the others, unlike the higher animals. Though having originated from the cat family, men are not so moderate. The cat will neither gorge out the eyes of a mouse nor skin it alive. On the contrary, the cat plays with it and makes a meal out of it removing it from trouble. Despite the negative attributes of a man, he is also religious. Because of his religion, he loves his fellow-men the way he loves himself. He guides his people to the path of righteousness.
Works Cited
Twain, Mark. The Damned Human Race. n.d. Web.