“I make it a rule never to smoke while I’m sleeping.”
- November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910
- American
- Author, humorist, and lecturer
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and had a major influence on American literature
Quote
“I make it a rule never to smoke while I’m sleeping.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously reflects his playful irreverence and mock seriousness. By stating that he “makes it a rule never to smoke while I’m sleeping,” he sets up an obviously unnecessary and ridiculous rule—since it is impossible to smoke while asleep. This self-deprecating humor not only highlights his ability to satirize the concept of rules and self-discipline but also suggests that many rules we impose on ourselves or others can often be arbitrary or meaningless. Twain’s joke is a clever commentary on how we sometimes make rules that seem important but are, in reality, entirely superfluous.
Twain’s ability to mock societal norms and the human tendency to impose excessive regulation is a central theme in his work. During his time, there was a strong push toward moral codes and societal expectations, including behaviors related to temperance and self-control. His humor, in this case, serves as a critique of these norms, showing how some “rules” are made more to appear virtuous than out of necessity. In this case, the quote gently mocks the notion that we need to control or regulate ourselves in ways that don’t actually affect anything, drawing attention to how often people adhere to superficial rules simply because they are told to.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied to the way people often follow self-imposed rules or social conventions without questioning their validity or purpose. For example, the rules about dieting or fitness regimens are often followed more out of habit or societal pressure than actual need. Twain’s message resonates in modern discussions about personal freedom, where the value of questioning arbitrary rules or traditions is often emphasized. His playful rule about smoking in his sleep reminds us that, sometimes, the most important thing is to approach life with humor and flexibility rather than rigidly following rules that serve no real purpose.
