When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life

"When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained." – Mark Twain.

In this brilliantly provocative statement, Mark Twain uncovers the absurdity of life by drawing attention to the fundamental truth that we are all, in some way, touched by madness. His use of the word "mad" suggests not just insanity, but the irrationality that runs through human nature—the impulses, desires, and behaviors that we often justify or ignore. Twain reminds us that life’s mysteries, those things that puzzle and frustrate us, are often the result of this inherent absurdity in human existence. When we accept that we are all mad, we can begin to see the world for what it truly is: a series of unpredictable events, shaped by human folly, that don’t need to be fully understood or explained to be embraced.

The ancients were keenly aware of the strange nature of human existence. Heraclitus, the philosopher of change, said, "Character is destiny," suggesting that we are all bound by the forces of our own inherent nature. But more importantly, he believed that life itself was filled with contradictions—the very chaos that Twain hints at when he speaks of madness. Heraclitus famously declared that "you cannot step into the same river twice", for everything is in constant flux, and life is shaped by forces beyond our control. Just as Twain suggests that mysteries disappear when we accept our shared madness, Heraclitus saw that the unpredictability of life, while seemingly irrational, was the nature of existence itself.

Socrates also grappled with the irrationality of life. His famous "know thyself" was a call to recognize the limitations and contradictions within oneself, acknowledging that understanding human nature requires confronting our flaws, impulses, and irrational desires. His life was a constant reflection on the absurdities of the world around him. Through his philosophical pursuit, he realized that many of the so-called mysteries of life—what drives human behavior, why we make irrational choices, and why society is shaped by seemingly chaotic forces—could be understood better when we accept our shared human madness. This acceptance allows us to free ourselves from the anxiety of trying to solve the unsolvable and to live more fully within the contradictions of existence.

The story of Vincent van Gogh, the great Dutch painter, further illustrates this acceptance of madness as a means of finding clarity in life. Van Gogh, often tormented by his inner demons, created art that was both bold and raw—expressing the beauty and pain of a world shaped by his personal madness. Despite struggling with mental illness, Van Gogh’s work became a window into the emotional landscape of the human experience. His famous quote, "I dream of painting and then I paint my dream," captures the idea that even in madness, there is a kind of clarity—a truth that emerges when we embrace the madness within ourselves and the world. The mysteries of his emotional struggles vanish in the expression of his art, leaving only the truth of his humanity.

Twain’s insight that the mysteries of life vanish when we acknowledge our shared madness is not merely a recognition of personal flaws, but a profound lesson in humility and acceptance. When we stop seeking perfection or trying to make sense of life’s chaos, we begin to see that life, in all its contradictions, is beautiful in its imperfection. The universe does not demand that we understand every aspect of existence. It simply asks that we engage with it, embracing its wildness and chaos. To recognize our madness is to free ourselves from the burden of trying to control or explain the mysteries of the world.

The lesson here is one of acceptance—that the key to understanding life is not in solving its mysteries, but in embracing its inherent absurdities. The struggles we face, the contradictions within us, and the irrational aspects of human nature are part of the rich tapestry of existence. By accepting that we are all touched by madness, we can let go of the need for perfect clarity and instead live fully within the complexities of life. Peace comes not from understanding everything, but from embracing the chaos and finding meaning in the midst of it.

In our own lives, we must learn to look beyond the desire for order and certainty. Instead of seeking to control every aspect of our existence, let us accept the mysteries that come our way. Whether in our relationships, our work, or our personal struggles, the key to peace and wisdom is in embracing the imperfections and irrationalities that make us human. By acknowledging our shared madness, we can learn to live in harmony with the unpredictable nature of life, finding beauty in the chaos and clarity in our willingness to embrace it.