“Only kings, presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial ‘we.'”
- 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
“Only kings, presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial ‘we.'”
Explanation
In this humorous remark, Mark Twain critiques the use of the editorial “we”—a device commonly used by writers or journalists to refer to themselves in a formal, plural sense, as if representing a collective voice. Twain’s satirical comparison points out that only those with unquestioned authority or influence, such as kings, presidents, or editors, have the right to speak in such an inflated, authoritative way. The inclusion of people with tapeworms as a tongue-in-cheek addition highlights the absurdity of the editorial “we,” suggesting that it’s a way of expressing bloat or self-importance, much like the physical bloating caused by a tapeworm.
Twain’s witty observation critiques the pretensions of individuals who use the editorial “we” to elevate their own perspective or to make it sound as though their personal opinions are more universal or objective. The idea of using “we” instead of “I” can give the impression of representing a broader collective, yet Twain’s humor suggests that such usage often feigns authority or influence that might not be justified. His remark implies that using this construction is more about projecting power or gravitas than about representing the opinions of a true collective body.
In modern contexts, this quote is still relevant when discussing media and political speech, where individuals in positions of power often use “we” to imply that their opinions reflect a larger, more significant group. It also applies to situations where people claim to speak for a community or organization without true consensus. Twain’s words remind us to be cautious of those who wield the editorial “we” to inflate their own authority, urging us to recognize when individual opinions are being presented as broader, more collective ones. His humor encourages skepticism of such self-importance, highlighting how language can be used to manipulate perception.
