“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” Two view of Mississippi provides an interesting insight into the mind of a veteran in steam boating. In life human reasoning is guided by perspective and experience. Decisions are often based on how one comprehends situations leading to a particular behavior. While it is argued that learned abilities often morph to instincts due to the repeated practice, some situations defy the norm forcing one to act depending on their understanding of the situation at hand. If for instance, one is a trained and experienced driver, when faced with the possibility of an accident, such an individual relies not just on the experience but their instincts. Irrespective of the level learning, instincts can …show more content…
He also seems to have lost more than he gained from the same river. Though he notes that the river once appeared beautiful and amazing, the dangers it poses are a challenge to his life and trade. Much as he would want to view the river as beautiful and interesting, the reality is different. The lesson Twain is trying to communicate is that focusing on the external features may create an illusion that is replaced by reality upon experience. In life we yearn for new things and tend to shun what we already have that appears old. The excerpt demonstrates that despite the positive attributes that one may initially see and appreciate about something, experience is bound to change the view. However, a further research on the autobiography of Mark Twain reveals that he found the time spent on the river to be the most interesting and worthwhile. Why the change of heart? I am of the opinion that human emotions and thoughts are misleading and inconsiderate. It is amazing that humans often sacrifice their lives to get something, but as soon as they lay hands on it, they want something totally different. While psychologist argue that it is this drive that pushes an individual’s life, I am of the opinion that inexperience is explains phenomena better. The illusion that the grass is always greener on the other side of the river tends to affect those with little or no experience. Twain also demonstrate the unthankful nature of human beings. The river: despite its dangers - provide a livelihood for Twain. By all means, he ought to have been