
In the wake of the Great War, the author confronts a generation that has lost faith in simple civility. He argues that the harsh reality of competition underlies every nation's struggle, yet hints that moments of fair play—especially in sport—still blaze a path toward a more humane world. By unmasking the complacency of philosophy, literature, and even science, the pamphlet forces listeners to see how easily ideals can be reduced to empty form.
Against this bleak backdrop, the work champions the exchange of ideas as humanity’s only hope. It surveys early attempts at global dialogue—the Permanent Court of International Justice, the League of Nations, Pan‑American congresses, and the fledgling PEN Club—while questioning why they are so lightly regarded. The author warns that unchecked scientific power and national self‑interest threaten to deepen the crisis, but suggests that a sincere, cooperative discourse could steer the world away from further ruin.
Language
en
Duration
~16 minutes (16K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2021-12-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1867–1933
Best known for The Forsyte Saga, this Nobel Prize-winning English writer had a sharp eye for family tensions, class, and the quiet pressures of modern life. His novels and plays are remembered for combining strong storytelling with a steady concern for fairness and social reform.
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