“Let us endeavor so to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”
- 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
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Quote
“Let us endeavor so to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote uses irony and humor to reflect on how one should aim to live a life so rich and impactful that even the most inherently unemotional profession—an undertaker, who deals with death daily—would feel genuine regret at the passing of that person. The humor lies in the exaggeration that even those who are accustomed to death would feel sorry for your departure, implying that you should live in such a way that your presence has had a profound and positive effect on those around you. Twain’s statement is a playful call to live a life of value, where your actions and relationships are meaningful enough to elicit regret from even those whose job it is to deal with death regularly.
Twain, known for his satirical approach to life, often critiqued human nature and the way people lived their lives. This quote encourages authentic living—to live in a way that leaves a lasting impact on others. The undertaker, who typically might only see sorrow and detachment, symbolizes how even those accustomed to the inevitability of death should mourn the passing of someone who lived a life worth remembering. Twain’s words are a reminder to live fully, with integrity, and to cultivate relationships and deeds that will make others feel your absence deeply, not just those closest to you, but even those who handle death as part of their work.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of living with purpose and making meaningful contributions to society. It encourages individuals to create a legacy that is recognized for its positive impact. Whether in personal relationships, professional achievements, or social contributions, Twain’s humor reminds us to aim for a life that is not just noteworthy, but irreplaceable, one that leaves a lasting emotional resonance behind, even to those who deal with loss on a daily basis.
