
Delivered originally as a banquet address and later expanded into a full lecture, this work tackles the dilemma of what it truly costs to trade a soul for worldly success. Drawing on Christ’s famous question, the speaker frames the debate as a stark balance between all the riches, fame, and pleasure one can amass and the priceless essence of the self. The oration weaves biblical reference, philosophical reflection, and vivid examples into a concise, persuasive argument. Listeners are invited to weigh their own values against the relentless pull of material desire.
Beyond the spiritual framing, the talk turns to the economics of ambition, warning that the love of money can become a master that drowns out higher virtues. It outlines principles for earnings, urging that one should never claim more than what is earned, lest the soul be compromised. By blending theology with everyday concerns about work and wealth, the lecture offers a roadmap for anyone seeking balance in a world driven by profit. The result is a meditation that challenges listeners to reconsider what truly matters before they chase further gain.
Language
en
Duration
~54 minutes (52K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Andrew Sly
Release date
2008-01-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1860–1925
A spellbinding orator and towering force in American public life, he electrified audiences with his defense of ordinary farmers and workers. Best known for the famous “Cross of Gold” speech, he later served as secretary of state and became a central figure in the Scopes Trial.
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