
audiobook
PREFACE
A BUSINESS MAN’S CIVILIZATION
THE COST OF PROSPERITY
OUR DISSOLVING ETHICS
JEFFERSON AND HAMILTON TODAY
OUR LAWLESS HERITAGE
HOOVER AND LAW OBSERVANCE
TO “BE” OR TO “DO”
MASS PRODUCTION AND INTELLECTUAL PRODUCTION
THE MUCKER POSE
This collection gathers a series of essays that turn a keen, sometimes uneasy eye toward the forces shaping contemporary American life. The author argues that beneath the nation’s diverse scenery and bustling streets lies a surprisingly uniform “business‑man’s civilization,” a framework that colors everything from politics to everyday manners. With a tone that balances observation and critique, the pieces invite listeners to consider how profit and efficiency have become cultural cornerstones.
The chapters cover a broad swath of topics—prosperity’s hidden costs, shifting moral standards, the legacy of founding figures, and the tension between law and habit in the modern era. By weaving together historical references and personal travel experiences, the writer paints a picture of a society where the drive for growth often masks deeper ethical questions. The essays are rooted in the early twentieth‑century moment but raise concerns that still echo today.
Listeners will find a thoughtful, well‑structured exploration that challenges the comfortable narratives of progress. The author’s measured style treats complex issues with clarity, offering both historical context and a fresh lens for anyone curious about the undercurrents of American culture.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (449K characters)
Release date
2025-05-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1878–1949

by James Truslow Adams

by Royall Tyler

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