“Man will do many things to get himself loved, he will do all things to get himself envied.”
- 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
“Man will do many things to get himself loved, he will do all things to get himself envied.”
Explanation
Mark Twain’s quote delves into the distinction between love and envy, and the different motivations people have for pursuing each. He suggests that while people may act in certain ways to earn affection or love—usually by being kind, generous, or supportive—the desire for envy is far more intense. Envy, which stems from the desire to be seen as better or more successful than others, often leads people to engage in extreme actions to outshine or impress others. Twain’s humor lies in the exaggeration that while people might do “many things” for love, they will go so far as to do anything for the more toxic pursuit of envy.
Twain’s remark is a commentary on human nature and the vanity that often drives individuals. It highlights the superficial and self-serving aspects of human behavior, where people may be willing to sacrifice their integrity, values, or even relationships in the pursuit of status or recognition. The contrast between the desire for love, which often involves a genuine connection, and the desire for envy, which can lead to manipulation and self-promotion, serves as a critique of the social dynamics that place so much emphasis on appearance and external validation.
In modern contexts, this quote remains relevant in discussions about social media, celebrity culture, and personal branding, where people often go to great lengths to create a perfect image in order to be envied or admired, sometimes at the cost of authenticity. Twain’s words encourage us to reflect on our motives for seeking approval or admiration, reminding us that true value comes not from envy but from genuine connection and self-respect.
