Is he alive or is he dead?" it is the little short story by famous writer Mark Twain

I can’t say that I didn’t like this work, as it is quite easy to read, and I could even assume that this is a real story. I think Mr. Twain wanted to show us how people, not knowing something, are afraid to admit it. They are willing to agree with any things about which they do not know any concept, just not to seem ignorant in front of strangers. On this one if I may say so "stupidity" with appeals of pity, and will play young people with society.  

 I liked this story because four talented young guys are making every effort to somehow get out of debt and poverty and not die of hunger, not through fraud, but because of their talent and smartness. And one should be able to use such qualities for the benefit of oneself without harming another.

     I don’t think that these people deceived or hurt anyone, although many would say that it’s not possible that this is a lie and a deception. But they did not rob or kill anyone. They only accelerated the process of recognizing talent in life for their own survival. And if they didn’t, they could die of hunger now, and their talents might have been used by other people.

     It seems to me that this easy story tells us about the cruelty of reality and how people are dependent on other people's opinions and are controlled by herd feelings. She teaches us that people need to be valued and recognized for their talent and dignity during life, and not after their death. And of course, the fact that us still need to have your own opinion and, moreover, not be ashamed of the fact that someone or something we do not know.