SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS, {MARK TWAIN} – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
I hope you will share these short articles; perhaps a few people will be curious to learn more.
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS, BETTER KNOWN AS MARK TWAIN – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
A FAVORITE AUTHOR – MARK TWAIN
Thanks to my family, I love reading, and like millions worldwide, I admire Mark Twain. Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens, is one of America’s most famous writers. He was a traveler, a wanderer; in his early twenties, Twain received his steamboat pilot’s license; a Southerner who grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, occasionally worked as a journalist or travel writer and traveled to many corners of the United States and the world. He turned to writing popular fiction, and his most classic stories – those of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn – were inspired by the setting of the Mississippi River.
“The genius was for speaking the voice of America,” said Ron Powers in Ken Burns’ documentary, Mark Twain.
MY INTRODUCTION
Each summer, Mom gave her two boys MANDATORY reading assignments. Mom, a teacher, believed education is a 12-month lifetime adventure! One summer, my reading list introduced Mark Twain and included “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Shortly after starting “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” I was flabbergasted to see a familiar but forbidden word, “nigger”. Does Mom realize the forbidden in our home word is in this book? Surely not! I grab the book, screaming as spoiled kids do MOM, MOM! She walks out to hear the 31st problem of the morning. By the way, the other 30 were very very important! I point to THE WORD, not about to say it and risk a spanking! My dream of catching Annie Elizbeth Powers in a mistake was crushed. She calmly advised me to keep reading, and we would discuss it when I finished the book. Mom had read this book several times and knew exactly what language was included and why.
Mom thought it was time for me to read one of our greatest storytellers. As usual, Mom was right; Mark Twain was instrumental in my lifetime love for reading.
Mark Twain was an extraordinary storyteller who brought life to his characters and painted vivid scenes with ink on paper. While the stories took place over 100 years before my birth, the injustices and blatant racism resonated with my experiences attending segregated and UNEQUAL schools until the seventh grade. I admired the unlikely friendship between Tom and Huck, two boys from vastly different backgrounds, and the courage to challenge societal norms and question the injustices they saw.
TWAIN’S AUTHENTIC LANGUAGE OFFENDED THEN AND NOW!
Twain used language from his era, including the “N” word. Twain often used satire and humor to comment on societal issues like racism, hypocrisy, and the complexities of human nature. Reading his works encourages me to consider these topics and how they relate to contemporary issues. Twain’s characters, such as Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, are multi-dimensional and experience personal growth throughout their adventures. Exploring these characters helps kids develop empathy and an understanding of character development in literature.
Twain’s stories can prompt kids to reflect on their values and hopefully make better real-life decisions. These themes can encourage young readers to consider their identities and the importance of standing up for their beliefs.
Language and Vocabulary Development: Twain’s language, dialects, and idiomatic expressions can expand a child’s vocabulary and help them become more comfortable with different linguistic styles.
MARK TWAIN’S POPULAR BOOKS
Millions of copies of Twain’s books have been read, making him one of American literature’s most widely read and influential authors.
- “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1876): This novel follows the mischievous young boy Tom Sawyer as he navigates through various adventures in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. The story captures the essence of boyhood and explores themes of friendship, morality, and growing up.
- “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (1884): Often considered one of Twain’s most significant works, this novel follows the adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the runaway slave Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River. The book addresses themes of racism, freedom, and its characters’ moral struggles.
- “The Prince and the Pauper” (1881): In this historical novel, two young boys—a prince and a pauper—switch places and experience life in each other’s roles. Through their experiences, the story explores themes of social class, identity, and the complexities of human nature.
- “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” (1889): Twain’s protagonist, a 19th-century engineer named Hank Morgan, finds himself transported back in time to the court of King Arthur. He tries modernizing medieval society using his technological knowledge, leading to humorous and thought-provoking consequences.
- “The Innocents Abroad” (1869): This travelogue recounts Twain’s journey through Europe and the Holy Land as part of a group of American tourists. The book provides humorous observations and critiques of European culture and customs from an American perspective.
- “Life on the Mississippi” (1883): Combining memoir and travelogue, this book details Twain’s experiences as a young steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the Civil War and his later return to the river as an older man. The book reflects on changes in society and technology over the years.
- “Roughing It” (1872): This semi-autobiographical work recounts Twain’s experiences in the American West during the mid-1800s, including his time as a prospector, reporter, and traveler. The book offers a humorous and insightful look at the challenges and adventures of frontier life.
- “Pudd’nhead Wilson” (1894): Set in the antebellum South, this novel tells the story of a lawyer named Pudd’nhead Wilson who becomes involved in a complex case of mistaken identities and switched babies. The book explores race, identity, and “nature vs. nurture.”
- “The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today” (1873): Co-authored with Charles Dudley Warner, this novel satirizes the social and political corruption of the post-Civil War era in America. “Gilded Age” became synonymous with ostentatious wealth and superficiality.
- “Joan of Arc” (1896): Written late in Twain’s life, this novel is a historical fiction account of the life of Joan of Arc, the French heroine and military leader during the Hundred Years’ War. Twain’s portrayal emphasizes Joan’s human qualities and her impact on history.
CONCLUSION
Over 100 years after his publications, some schools continue to ban Mark Twain. I believe this is an error. Our country’s history is ugly with pain, but it is our history. The only way to avoid repeating mistakes is to know your history. Slavery is a stain on our nation and continues to haunt and separate us.
Mark Twain wrote about the issues of his era, the good and the ugly, including one of America’s darkest sins, slavery. He used the authentic language of that era, and his books have been banned almost since the day he was published. Today, some schools have banned his books. Banning a book encourages some people to read it. With that in mind, maybe we should ban the bible!
I encouraged my daughter to read Mark Twain, believing his prose provides a rich literary and educational experience. They gain exposure to timeless literature and develop critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for the complexities of human nature and our society. Parents should decide the books their children can read.
Mark Twain’s enduring legacy demonstrates the impact an individual can have on culture, literature, and society. His work continues to be studied, celebrated, and adapted, reminding us that our actions and creations can leave a lasting mark on the world.
Mark Twain serves as a role model due to his intellectual curiosity, creativity, humor, willingness to address critical issues, individualism, resilience, empathy, literary excellence, philanthropy, and the legacy he left behind. His life and accomplishments provide valuable lessons and inspiration for people seeking to impact the world around them positively.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Twain
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YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
BECAUSE I CARE!
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wcnkas.org
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
TRUST ME – YOU WILL LIKE THE BELOW POPULAR BLOGS!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’s WHAT YOU GIVE!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
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https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/03/09/black-and-brown-role-models-series-legendary-investor-john-rogers-jr/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} – ROBERT L. JOHNSON, FOUNDER BET – FEBRUARY 24, 2022
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https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/25/black-history-month-role-models-james-and-jilea-hemmings-become-first-african-americans-owners-of-an-autonomous-grocery-store-february-25-2022/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} BILLIONAIRE ROBERT F. SMITH – FEBRUARY 23, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS -REGINALD LEWIS – FEBRUARY 22, 2022
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/22/black-history-month-role-models-reginald-lewis-february-22-2022/
“WHAT WE BECOME DEPENDS ON WHAT OUR FATHERS TEACH US AT ODD MOMENTS, WHEN THEY AREN’T TRYING TO TEACH US”
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2021/11/03/what-we-become-depends-on-what-our-fathers-teach-us-at-odd-moments-when-they-arent-trying-to-teach-us/
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY – “EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WITH WHICH YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD” NELSON MANDELLA
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
