
"A God wilt thou create for thyself out of thy seven devils."
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I - ROUTINEER AND INVENTOR
CHAPTER II - THE TABOO
CHAPTER III - THE CHANGING FOCUS
CHAPTER IV - THE GOLDEN RULE AND AFTER
CHAPTER V - WELL MEANING BUT UNMEANING: THE CHICAGO VICE REPORT
CHAPTER VI - SOME NECESSARY ICONOCLASM
CHAPTER VII - THE MAKING OF CREEDS
CHAPTER VIII - THE RED HERRING
The opening of this work confronts a stark observation: many people treat politics as a distant spectacle, indifferent to elections and legislation. It argues that such apathy is not merely laziness but a subtle critique of the political system itself, one that undercuts the grand rhetoric of reformers. By tracing how even the most brilliant artists, scientists, and philosophers adopt a stance of non‑engagement, the author reveals a cultural tension between creative ambition and civic duty. The tone is conversational yet incisive, inviting listeners to question whether the silence of the masses is a symptom of a deeper emptiness in public discourse.
In first act the writer shares personal experiences from the front lines of reform, describing how attempts to capture public attention often meet with bored smiles. He suggests that political life can feel like a trivial drama compared with the tangible achievements of art or science, yet acknowledges its profound impact on everyday existence. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why indifference persists and be prompted to reconsider their own relationship to the civic sphere.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (396K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-12-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1889–1974
A sharp-eyed journalist and political thinker, he helped shape how modern readers understand public opinion, the news, and democracy. His books and columns made him one of the most influential American commentators of the 20th century.
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