
A nineteen‑year‑old student known among his peers as Philosopher Jack wrestles with a relentless question: why was he born at all? Tall, outspoken and prone to argument, he spends his days debating ideas while his taciturn companion, simply called Conscience, answers every proposal with only “Do” or “Don’t.” The stark simplicity of those replies fuels Jack’s restless mind, pushing him to probe the meaning of his existence amid the ordinary bustle of college life.
When a brief, bleak letter arrives from his father, announcing the loss of the family’s modest means, Jack’s aspirations tumble like fragile glass. Suddenly the philosophical musings collide with harsh reality: should he rebel against fate, chase a daring escape, or accept his circumstances and press on? As evening shadows gather outside his window, Jack sits at his desk, torn between action and resignation, poised on the edge of a decision that will shape the next chapter of his life.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (264K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-06-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1894
A Scottish adventure writer whose stories of survival, exploration, and moral courage thrilled generations of young readers. Best known for The Coral Island, he drew on real experience and a gift for vivid storytelling to bring distant worlds to life.
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