Mark Twain wrote this essay when asked to share something with Americaâs youth. Though he begins in a serious tone, his advice quickly takes a turn for the satirical: âAlways obey your parents, when they are present. This is the best policy in the long run, because if you donât, they will make you.â In a similar tone, he goes on to address the matters of respecting oneâs elders, rising early, lying, handling firearms, and reading books. This funny essay is a great example of Twainâs infamous satirical wit and an easy entry point for anyone interested in the writerâs nonfiction.