Advice to Youth (1882) by Mark Twain is a satirical essay. It was written several centuries ago, but it still offers a powerful message. It is hilarious, caustic, and all-around good advice. He was asked to write it for America’s youth. Twain tends to take advantage of opportunities to address society’s standards and to criticize authoritative figures who shape youth. Twain’s essay states that children are being reformed to be like everyone else in society and that their individuality is being suppressed. Twain addresses six aspects of youth education that are used in every generation, including selectively obeying parents, respecting superiors, going to bed and getting up early, the issue of lying, handling firearms, reading good books, and remaining sexually pure. He addresses the types of teachings for youth that are utilized in every generation, like respecting your elders. The author’s sarcastic and judgmental tone helps to convey his belief that adolescents’ identities should be cultivated on their own, without the influence of society. Twain advises youth to
start early to learn this gracious and beautiful art. If I had begun earlier, I would have learned how. However, considering that the true purpose of satire is to try and bring change, it is more likely that Twain is satirizing the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ adult world. Mark Twain in Advice to Youth gives some kind of ethics code to the younger generation to see them taking profit of the benefits hidden in their virtues. Mark Twain’s first advice to young people is to always obey their parents. His second advice is to be respectful to everyone and especially to superiors, which helps to develop a better attitude and take good initiative even in unpleasant situations. Then Mark Twain talks about lies and wants young people to realize that lies don’t last long and truth is mighty and will always prevail. It is better to tell the truth than to lie, losing trust and respect. He also advises young people not to handle firearms carelessly. Advice to Youth is a commendable and contradictory text made for young people because it has advice that youth can apply in their lives