The Ultimate Summary of Mark Twain's 'The Lowest Animal': Revealing the Dark Side of Human Nature

Mark Twain’s essay, “The Lowest Animal,” , is a reflection on human behavior and its relation to animals. It takes a scathing look at human nature and presents the reader with clear evidence that humans are indeed the lowest animals.

Twain’s essay is divided into two main parts. In the first part, he sets out to prove that animals are superior to humans in every way.

For example, Twain cites the fact that animals never engage in senseless violence or war, whereas humans have been killing each other for millennia. He also points out that animals do not engage in slavery, whereas humans have enslaved each other since the dawn of civilization.

In the second part of his essay, Twain takes a more focused look at the human race and provides ample evidence to support his claims of human depravity.

One of the main arguments that Twain puts forward is that humans are the only animals capable of cruelty. Animals may sometimes kill or injure each other for food or self-defense, but they never do so with malice aforethought. Humans, however, take pleasure in causing pain and suffering to others – whether it be through the use of torture devices or just plain bullying.

Furthermore, Twain argues that humans are the only animals capable of lying and deception. While animals may use camouflage or other forms of deception for survival reasons, they never do so just for the sake of deceiving others. Humans, on the other hand, lie and deceive for all sorts of reasons – to gain power, to manipulate others, or just for fun.

Adding to this, humans also engage in wanton destruction of the environment, whereas animals always seem to live in harmony with their environment.

Twain’s essay is a sobering reminder of the depths to which humans can sink. It is also a clarion call to action, urging us to not only recognize our own shortcomings but to work towards becoming better, more compassionate beings.

But despite all of this, it is important to remember that we are not completely without hope. Humans have the power to change their ways and become better, more enlightened beings. By recognizing our flaws and striving to overcome them, we can reach new heights of compassion, empathy, and understanding.

In conclusion, Mark Twain’s essay, “The Lowest Animal,” is a devastating critique of human nature. It presents us with a stark reminder that, for all our achievements, we are still capable of astounding cruelty and callousness.

However, in presenting us with this bleak picture, Twain also offers us a glimmer of hope. By recognizing our flaws and striving towards a better future, we can rise above our base instincts and become truly noble creatures

"The Lowest Animal Mark Twain Summary" ~ bbaz

Introduction

The Lowest Animal is an essay written by Mark Twain and published in his book Letters from the Earth. The essay is a satire that criticizes the supposed superiority of humans over animals. In this article, we are going to give a summary of the essay.

The Main Argument

In The Lowest Animal, Mark Twain argues that humans are not the most superior animals on earth, as many believe. Instead, he contends that humans are actually the lowest animals because of their cruelty, greed, and selfishness. He uses several examples to support this argument.

Example 1: Experiments on Animals

One of the examples that Twain gives is using animals for scientific experimentation. He argues that animals are subjected to cruel experiments, which cause them immense pain and suffering. At the same time, humans believe that it's necessary to use animals to advance scientific knowledge, even though the same experiments could be conducted through other methods.

Example 2: War and Violence

Twain also contends that humans are prone to violence and war. He argues that while animals fight each other for survival, they don't engage in wars and mass violence like humans do. He believes that wars have caused more human suffering than any other aspect of human life.

Example 3: Greed and Selfishness

Another reason why Twain views humans as the lowest animal is due to their greed and selfishness. He argues that humans are driven by a desire for power, fame, and wealth, regardless of the consequences. Animals, on the other hand, are content with just the basics and don't seem to have the same level of greed or selfishness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Lowest Animal is a satirical essay in which Mark Twain criticizes the supposed superiority of humans over animals. He argues that humans are, in fact, the lowest animal on earth because of their cruelty, greed, and selfishness, among other things. According to Twain, this means that humans have a great deal of work to do if they want to be considered a superior species.

Comparison of Human and Animal Behavior in Mark Twain's The Lowest Animal: Summary, Analysis and Opinion

Introduction

In his essay The Lowest Animal, Mark Twain presents a scathing critique of human behavior by comparing it to the behavior of animals. He argues that humans are the lowest and cruelest animals on earth, and provides several examples to support his claim. In this article, we will compare and contrast human and animal behavior as presented in The Lowest Animal, and provide our own opinion on Twain's views.

Humans: The Lowest Animal?

According to Twain, humans are the lowest animal because they are capable of violence, cruelty, and greed. He argues that humans kill for sport, enslave other creatures, and engage in wars and genocides. Twain notes that these behaviors are not found among animals, who only kill for food or out of self-defense. Humans also engage in cruel experiments on animals, such as vivisection and animal testing. Moreover, humans exploit and mistreat each other in ways that animals do not. While animals may fight over territory or mates, they do not enslave or exploit members of their own species.

The Case of the Dog

Twain uses the example of a dog to illustrate the difference between human and animal behavior. He notes that a dog may steal food, but it does not hoard it or deny it to other dogs. Dogs may fight over food or territory, but they do not engage in wars or genocides. They also do not commit atrocities on their own kind, as humans have done throughout history. Thus, according to Twain, dogs are morally superior to humans.

Animals: Noble or Savage?

While Twain presents animals as morally superior to humans, he also acknowledges that they can be savage and cruel. Animals kill and eat other animals, and some engage in violent territorial disputes. They may also engage in infanticide or cannibalism in certain circumstances. However, Twain argues that these behaviors are not driven by malice or greed, but by instinct and necessity.

The Example of the Elephant

Twain uses the example of the elephant to illustrate the nobility of animal behavior. Elephants are known to exhibit deep emotional bonds with their family members, mourn their dead, and care for injured or sick members of their herd. They also exhibit a sense of fairness and justice, as evidenced by their reactions to perceived injustices. However, elephants can also be aggressive and violent, especially when threatened or provoked.

The Human-Animal Divide

Twain argues that the difference between humans and animals is not just a matter of degree, but of kind. Humans have a conscience and the ability to reason, while animals do not. However, Twain notes that this does not excuse human behavior, as humans have used their superior intelligence to engage in acts of cruelty and exploitation that animals could never conceive of. Moreover, Twain argues that human reason has often been misused to justify immoral or irrational actions.

The Limits of Reason

Twain notes that while reason can lead to moral progress and enlightenment, it can also lead to moral decay and corruption. He cites examples of people who have used reason to justify slavery, genocide, and other atrocities. Moreover, Twain argues that reason is not enough to ensure moral behavior, as humans also require compassion, empathy, and a sense of justice.

Conclusion: The Value of Humility

In conclusion, The Lowest Animal provides a thought-provoking critique of human behavior. Twain's comparison of human and animal behavior challenges us to reexamine our assumptions about what it means to be human, and to consider the ways in which we can learn from the behavior of other creatures. While animals may not be capable of reason or moral judgment, they do possess virtues such as loyalty, compassion, and courage. Moreover, Twain's essay reminds us of the need for humility and self-reflection, as we strive to become better and more humane beings.

Table Comparison

	Humans	Animals
Capacity for Violence	Yes	Yes (but not driven by malice or greed)
Ability to Reason	Yes	No
Enslavement/Exploitation of Others	Yes	No (except in cases of parasitism or commensalism)
Commitment to Family and Community	Varies	Yes
Morality	Varies	No

Opinion

In our opinion, The Lowest Animal is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that challenges us to rethink our assumptions about human behavior. Twain's comparison of human and animal behavior highlights the ways in which humans have used their superior intelligence to justify acts of cruelty and exploitation. Moreover, his essay reminds us that morality is not solely a matter of reason, but also requires compassion, empathy, and a sense of justice.While Twain's views may be controversial or even offensive to some, we believe that they offer valuable insights into the nature of human behavior and the need for humility and self-reflection. The Lowest Animal encourages us to look beyond our own species for examples of moral behavior, and to recognize the virtues exhibited by other creatures, such as loyalty, compassion, and courage. Overall, we highly recommend this essay to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human morality and the ethical dimensions of our relationship with other creatures.

The Lowest Animal by Mark Twain: A Summary

Introduction

Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated humorists and satirists in American literature. He was known for his witty, tongue-in-cheek commentaries on society, politics, and human behavior. One of his most famous works is the essay entitled The Lowest Animal, which delves into a scathing critique of human nature.

Background

The Lowest Animal was first published in 1896 in Harper's Magazine. It is one of Twain's later works and reflects his growing disillusionment with humanity. In the essay, Twain uses his trademark humor and irony to expose the flaws and vices of the human species.

Summary

Twain begins the essay by asserting that humans are the highest animals on Earth. He then proceeds to challenge this assumption by examining the behaviors of various animals and comparing them to those of humans.He first looks at the behavior of the saintly elephant and notes that elephants are capable of compassion, selflessness, and loyalty - qualities that are often lacking in humans. He argues that humans, in contrast, are prone to selfishness, greed, and violence.Twain then goes on to examine the behavior of other animals, such as the tiger and the cat, and concludes that they are governed by instinct rather than reason. Humans, however, are capable of both reason and imagination - qualities that should make them superior to other creatures.Despite this potential, Twain argues that humans often use their intelligence for evil purposes. He cites examples such as war, slavery, and the mistreatment of animals. He also notes that humans have a propensity for cruelty and spite - qualities that he deems to be the lowest of all.In the final section of the essay, Twain concludes that humans are indeed the lowest animals. He argues that humans' capacity for cruelty, greed, and violence far outweighs their potential for goodness and compassion.

Conclusion

The Lowest Animal is a powerful critique of human nature that remains relevant today. Although it was written over a century ago, it offers insights into the flaws and vices that continue to plague our society. By exposing the worst aspects of human behavior, Twain challenges us to strive for a better world - one that is characterized by kindness, compassion, and empathy. Ultimately, The Lowest Animal reminds us that we have the power to transcend our baser instincts and rise above our animal nature.

The Lowest Animal Mark Twain Summary

Mark Twain, one of the most renowned authors in American literature, wrote an essay titled The Lowest Animal back in 1896. In this piece, he reflects on the nature of human beings and their position in the animal kingdom.

To put it simply, Twain argues that humans are the lowest animal because of their morally bankrupt behavior. He compares humans to other animals and concludes that they do not possess the qualities that make other animals high. Twain believes that humans are selfish, cruel, and destructive towards each other and the environment.

Twain starts off by describing some of the negative actions of humans such as gambling, dueling, and drinking. The author uses humor to illustrate how absurd and foolish some of our actions can be, and how they reflect poorly on us. He also points out that while animals might soon forget previous interactions, humans tend to hold grudges and seek revenge for years.

Next, Twain compares human behavior to animals. He first points out that animals do not engage in warfare like humans do. For example, lions and tigers only fight when necessary, usually for a mate or food. They do not kill for sport or entertainment, unlike humans who hunt animals for pleasure. Even domestic animals such as dogs and cats tend to get along with each other better than humans do.

In addition to warfare, humans are also unique in their ability to torture and mistreat other beings. Twain speaks about how we use animals for experimentation, ignoring their pain and suffering for our own benefit. We also enslave other humans and treat them horribly. Meanwhile, other animals may fight or harm members of their own species but do not seem to have the same level of cruelty that humans do.

Twain concludes his essay by stating that while humans might have the ability to do good, they choose to act poorly instead. He argues that we have a lot to learn from other animals and their behavior. The author also suggests that humans need to be less selfish and focus more on taking care of the environment and each other.

In summary, Mark Twain's The Lowest Animal is a satirical observation of human behavior. Twain pokes fun at the foolish things we do and highlights how different we are from other animals. The author makes a compelling argument that humans are in fact the lowest animal due to our immoral actions and selfish attitude. It is a powerful piece that challenges us to reflect on our own behavior and strive to become better.

Thank you for taking the time to read this summary of The Lowest Animal by Mark Twain. It is a thought-provoking piece that continues to be relevant to this day. Hopefully, it has inspired you to think differently about human behavior and consider ways to make the world a better place.

billmaherhalloweencostumeonline

The Ultimate Summary of Mark Twain's 'The Lowest Animal': Revealing the Dark Side of Human Nature

Introduction

The Main Argument

Example 1: Experiments on Animals

Example 2: War and Violence

Example 3: Greed and Selfishness

Conclusion

Comparison of Human and Animal Behavior in Mark Twain's The Lowest Animal: Summary, Analysis and Opinion

Introduction

Humans: The Lowest Animal?

The Case of the Dog

Animals: Noble or Savage?

The Example of the Elephant

The Human-Animal Divide

The Limits of Reason

Conclusion: The Value of Humility

Table Comparison

Opinion

The Lowest Animal by Mark Twain: A Summary

Introduction

Background

Summary

Conclusion

The Lowest Animal Mark Twain Summary

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