“Laws control the lesser man… Right conduct controls the greater one.”
- 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
“Laws control the lesser man… Right conduct controls the greater one.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote draws a distinction between the external control exerted by laws and the internal moral compass that governs individuals of higher character. He suggests that laws are necessary to regulate those who might otherwise act in self-interest or unethical ways, but they are only effective in controlling people who lack the strength of character to follow higher principles. For those with a sense of right conduct—who adhere to moral values and integrity—laws are less relevant because their actions are already guided by an internal sense of what is right. Twain’s humor lies in the irony that the greater man, who behaves ethically without needing external enforcement, requires no law to keep him in check.
Twain’s remark speaks to his belief in the importance of personal integrity and the idea that true nobility comes from self-regulation and moral strength, rather than relying solely on rules or authorities to dictate behavior. He implies that those with high principles do not need laws to keep them honest or just, as they are already motivated by a sense of right conduct that surpasses legal obligations.
In modern contexts, this quote is especially relevant in discussions about ethics, leadership, and social responsibility. Whether in politics, business, or personal relationships, it reminds us that the most effective leaders and individuals are those who act with integrity and moral clarity, not just because they are bound by the law, but because their actions are driven by a strong personal sense of right and wrong. Twain’s words encourage us to aim for self-discipline and to cultivate a moral character that guides our behavior, regardless of the rules around us.
