What Is Man? and Other Essays

A lively assortment of musings and anecdotes, this collection jumps from the quirks of everyday life to the oddities of history, all filtered through a sharp, witty voice. The author tackles subjects as diverse as the legacy of a forgotten assassin, the peculiar freedoms of a neutral country, and the mischievous challenges of teaching a child to read. Each essay balances humor with insight, turning casual observation into a broader commentary on the human condition.

The centerpiece, “What Is Man?” frames a spirited debate between an old skeptic and a curious youth, using the making of a steam engine as a metaphor for personal development. By comparing iron, steel and stone to different kinds of people, the dialogue probes whether merit belongs to the individual or to the forces that shape them. The piece invites listeners to consider how prejudice, education and environment forge the capacities—and limits—of a life lived like a machine, all delivered with the author’s characteristic blend of irony and warmth.