"As an example to others, and not that I care for moderation myself, it has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain from smoking when awake"

Mark Twain's quote is an amusing method of expressing his neglect for moderation. He is suggesting that he does not care for moderation himself, however he sets an example for others by not cigarette smoking when he is asleep. This indicates that he does not have any qualms about smoking cigarettes when he is awake. Twain's quote is a tongue-in-cheek method of revealing his disregard for moderation and his determination to enjoy cigarette smoking when he is awake. It is a funny way of revealing his opinion that moderation is not essential in all aspects of life. Twain's quote is a suggestion that moderation is not always essential which it is alright to enjoy activities that bring enjoyment.