“It is better to take what does not belong to you than to let it lie around neglected.”
- 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
“It is better to take what does not belong to you than to let it lie around neglected.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote humorously critiques the human tendency to rationalize and justify behavior that is morally questionable. The quote suggests that, in some cases, it might be better to take something that doesn’t belong to you than to leave it unattended or neglected, implying that action—even when it is wrong—is preferable to inaction. This is an ironic statement, where Twain exaggerates the idea of rationalizing theft or misappropriation by suggesting that neglect is somehow a worse alternative. The humor in the quote comes from the absurdity of the comparison: taking something that doesn’t belong to you is wrong, but leaving it unattended is also seen as irresponsible in Twain’s exaggerated view.
Twain’s words reflect his satirical examination of morality and human behavior, particularly how people often justify their actions in ways that conflict with common sense or ethical principles. The quote points to the irony that people will sometimes invent reasons to act based on their own convenience or desires, often downplaying the moral consequences. The suggestion that it might be better to take something rather than let it “lie around neglected” is a satirical take on how people sometimes rationalize questionable behavior by focusing on practicality or expediency rather than ethics.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a reminder to question our justifications for actions that might not be morally right. Whether it’s in business, personal relationships, or even in the context of social media, it’s easy to find ways to rationalize actions that aren’t strictly ethical. Twain’s humor encourages us to reflect on our motivations and to recognize when we’re excusing our behavior based on convenience, rather than considering the true moral implications of our actions.
