Life on the Mississippi. What does Mark Twain mean when he wrote And doesn't he sometimes wonder whether he has gained most or lost most by learning his trade?

Answer 1

In "Life on the Mississippi," Mark Twain reflects on the bittersweet nature of knowledge and experience. The phrase suggests that while learning to navigate the river as a steamboat pilot brings skill and mastery, it also comes with the loss of innocence and simplicity. Twain implies that the complexities and responsibilities that accompany expertise can overshadow the joys of a less complicated life, prompting a sense of ambivalence about the true value of his acquired knowledge.