Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religion--several of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn't straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother's path to happiness and heaven....The higher animals have no religion. And we are told that they are going to be left out in the Hereafter. I wonder why? It seems questionable taste.

Summary

This quote by Mark Twain emphasizes how uniquely religious humans are compared to other animals. It highlights the variety of religions that exist and the paradoxical behavior exhibited by humans in the name of their faith. Humans love their neighbors but also display intolerance if their theological beliefs differ. Twain suggests that humans have caused much harm and destruction throughout history through their attempts to guide others to happiness and salvation. In contrast, he questions why animals, who do not possess religion, are supposedly excluded from the afterlife. The quote thus challenges the idea of religious exclusivity and raises doubts about the fairness of such a belief.

Topics