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Think The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written for a different audience at a different time? Think again. In fact, just think, period. That’s definitely what Mark Twain wanted you to do!

Video Transcription:

We know that slavery is wrong. We know that treating people as second-class citizens—or worse—is wrong. So what does The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn have to do with your life? You’d be surprised.

Here’s the message of Huck Finn in one word: Think!

Seriously. Think. Don’t just take things at face value. Don’t take, “Because I said so” as a good reason. (Sorry parents out there!) Don’t assume that just because everyone is doing it means that it’s the right thing to do.

Think—and think some more!

That’s what Huck is forced to do in almost every chapter in this book. He comes to his own conclusions about religion, slavery, and morality. About right and wrong.

Huck’s not afraid to think. He struggles with things that aren’t black and white—but his answer to the struggles is to just keep thinking. He looks at issues from every angle. And he uses his heart, too—not just his head.

And that’s what makes Huck Finn so freaking relevant to your life—and to our world today. We may not be questioning the morality of slavery, but pick your political or moral or religious issue. There’s still lots to think about, right?

The world needs you. THINK!

Let me rephrase. Don’t just think. Think for yourself.