Quote by Mark Twain, What Is Man?
The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.
Summary
This quote by Mark Twain emphasizes the paradoxical nature of human behavior. It suggests that human beings possess a unique cognitive ability to distinguish between right and wrong, setting them apart from other creatures. However, the quote also highlights how humans have the capacity to choose and engage in morally wrong actions, which indicates their moral inferiority compared to beings incapable of such immorality. Twain’s quote raises questions about the responsibility and potential for moral improvement that come along with human intellect.