Mark Twain: 'A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.'

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.

"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval." - Mark TwainIn this insightful quote, Mark Twain touches upon a fundamental truth about the human experience – the importance of self-acceptance and self-approval. At first glance, the meaning seems straightforward: one's sense of comfort and contentment is intrinsically tied to the level of approval they have for themselves. But let's delve deeper and explore the profound implications behind this statement.On the surface, this quote emphasizes the significance of self-esteem and self-worth. It suggests that seeking external validation or relying solely on the approval of others will never truly bring about lasting comfort. Oftentimes, people may engage in a futile pursuit of external validation, constantly striving for the approval and recognition of others. However, such approval is transient, unpredictable, and ultimately unsatisfying. In the absence of self-approval, even the praises and accolades from others fall short in providing genuine comfort and inner peace.While this interpretation of Twain's quote is compelling in itself, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further enrich our understanding.Enter the concept of existentialism – a school of thought that emphasizes individual existence, responsibility, and freedom. Existential philosophy proposes that each individual is the ultimate arbiter of their own meaning and purpose in life. In this context, self-approval takes on a whole new dimension.Existentialism urges us to examine the choices we make and to take responsibility for our lives. It encourages us to align our actions and decisions with our authentic selves, rather than conforming to societal expectations or seeking validation from others. When we engage in self-reflection and introspection, we can begin to identify the values, aspirations, and passions that truly resonate with our essence.By embracing and honoring our individuality, we pave the way for genuine self-approval. This approval is not contingent upon external factors but emerges from a deep sense of congruence between our actions and our values. It is a state of being in which we find comfort, regardless of the opinions or judgments of others.The dichotomy between seeking external validation and cultivating self-approval becomes glaring when viewed through the lens of existentialism. While the former may offer fleeting moments of satisfaction, they are ultimately superficial and leave us at the mercy of other people's whims. Conversely, self-approval enables us to define and shape our own lives, independent of external influences.Moreover, the pursuit of self-approval aligns with another fundamental aspect of existentialism – the quest for authenticity. In order to attain comfort and contentment, it becomes imperative to live a life that is true to ourselves. By accepting and embracing our authentic selves, we grant ourselves the permission to chart our own paths and make choices that resonate with who we are at our core.In essence, Twain's quote serves as a reminder of the profound impact self-approval has on our overall well-being. It encourages us to transcend societal pressures, norms, and expectations, and to strive for a genuine sense of comfort and contentment. By embracing the principles of existentialism, we open ourselves up to the possibility of leading lives that are not only true to ourselves but also filled with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.In conclusion, Mark Twain's quote, "A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval," captures the essence of the human experience. It underscores the intrinsic value of self-acceptance and self-approval, reminding us of the futility of seeking validation solely from external sources. When we combine this understanding with the philosophical concept of existentialism, we gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of self-approval in living authentically and finding true comfort in our own skin.