In The Danger of Lying in Bed, Mark Twain delivers one of his signature satirical essays—witty, irreverent, and surprisingly insightful. What begins as a commentary on the perils of travel insurance quickly becomes a biting observation on human fear, misplaced caution, and the absurdity of trying to avoid life’s dangers.

Twain’s narrator mocks the tendency of people to avoid risky adventures—like rail travel—while ignoring the very real dangers that await them in the “safety” of their own bedrooms. With his trademark humor and a touch of morbid irony, Twain reminds us that death can come for anyone, anywhere… so we might as well live boldly.

Perfect for fans of dry wit, sharp social commentary, and timeless humor, this short essay remains hilariously relevant more than a century after it was written.

Elijah Brooks

Voice