Keeping Up with William In which the Honorable Socrates Potter Talks of the Relative Merits of Sense Common and Preferred

In the early days of 1918, a seasoned New England lawyer welcomes a curious visitor into his warm study, where the crackle of fire and the scent of old books set the scene for a lively debate about the nation’s moral compass. Their conversation drifts from the heroic legacy of Revolutionary ancestors to the frantic pace of contemporary life, using vivid contrasts between a 1775 diary and a modern woman’s hectic routine. Through witty anecdotes and sharp observations, they explore the idea of “supering”—the relentless drive to outdo oneself in a world that seems to value appearance over purpose.

As the war rages abroad, the dialogue turns to the responsibilities of those at home, urging listeners to consider how personal ambition can both aid and hinder the greater good. The narrator’s gentle humor and thoughtful reflections invite audiences to pause, question, and perhaps find a steadier lantern amid the turbulence of their own times.