Famous Bipolar People

MARK TWAIN - FAMOUS BIPOLAR AUTHOR

Mark Twain was an American author. He was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in Florida, Missouri on 30th November, 1835. Twain was also a noted humorist and was well known for his novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which earned the title, the Great American Novel. He is remembered by his many quotes that are used in many writings today. Twain was highly connected to Presidents, European royalty, industrialists and artists. Twain earned the admiration of his friends and critics for his satirical works, that make fun of serious societal problems and was called the greatest American humorist of his time. William Faulkner also referred to him as the father of American literature.

Twain became an apprentice painter at the age of 12, losing his father the previous year. By 1851, he worked as a typesetter and also contributed humorous articles for the Hannibal Journal. He left for New York at the age of 18 and worked as a printer. As a member of the union, he studied in public libraries in the evening, returning to Missouri at the age of 22.

 

Twain studied steamboat piloting for two years when he was inspired by a pilot on a voyage to New Orleans. He worked as a river pilot until the outbreak of the American Civil War. He was then appointed secretary to the governor of Nevada Territory, James W. Nye. Twain found work as a miner in a silver mine but moved to get a job with the Virginia City newspaper. His first article under his pen name Mark Twain was published in February 3, 1863. He moved to San Francisco, still working as a journalist. He released his first successful work, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”, which was published in The Saturday Press. It caught a lot of attention nationwide.

Mark Twain became a public speaker. He had many invitations from various groups to address them. He was made an honorary member of Bohemian Club. He also spoke to the Concordia Press Club in Vienna as a special guest. Twain also delivered a speech in German “Die Schrecken der deutschen Sprache” to the amazement of many.

 

Twain was said to have suffered from bipolar disorder. He was believed to have had bouts of depression in the latter part of his life. He was believed to have suffered depression when his friend Henry, who inspired him to learn steamboat piloting died. Twain felt responsible for his death arguing that he foresaw the accident in a dream days before it occurred. He was also reported to have suffered depression upon the death of his wife and three children.

 

Mark Twain was married to Olivia Langdon and had four children, one of which died during childhood. Twain was a known Presbyterian but usually criticize some elements of this religion, which inspired two of his writings, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so”, and “If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be – a Christian”. He however attended church services and discussions.