Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Civilization largely consists in hiding human nature. When the barbarian learns to hide it we account him enlightened.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that civilization is about concealing our natural instincts and behaviors, and that doing so is viewed as a sign of enlightenment.
Mark Twain's quote reflects on the nature of civilization and what it means to be 'enlightened.' He argues that much of civilization is rooted in the suppression of our innate human instincts, and when those who are considered barbaric learn to hide these instincts, society then recognizes them as civilized. This raises questions about the authenticity of human nature versus the façades we adopt in social settings.
Themes
CivilizationHuman NatureEnlightenmentBarbarismSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on societal progress, one might use this quote to argue that civilization requires self-restraint.
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In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
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