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The laws of Nature take precedence of all human laws. The purpose of all human laws is one - to defeat the laws of Nature. This is the case among all the nations, both civilized and savage. It is a grotesquerie, but when the human race is not grotesque it is because it is asleep and losing its opportunity.
Mark Twain
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Human laws often try to oppose or control the natural laws, which can lead to absurdity.

In this quote, Mark Twain reflects on the relationship between human laws and the laws of nature. He suggests that while human laws are created to manage society, they ultimately fail to triumph over the fundamental truths of nature. Twain's contemplation of the grotesque nature of humanity when it strays from its natural roots implies that humanity's true potential is only realized when it aligns with the inherent laws of the world, warning against complacency and the loss of our authentic selves.

Themes

NatureHuman LawsGrotesqueOpportunityPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the environment and human intervention, one might cite Twain's perspective to emphasize the importance of respecting nature.

More from Mark Twain

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You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
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To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
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Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
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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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