
A sharp‑tongued collection of short essays, this work tackles the familiar ideas of morality, politics and society with a wry, questioning eye. It begins by turning the familiar “golden rule” on its head, suggesting that the very notion of universal moral commandments may be a fiction. From there it moves through a series of paradoxical observations on idolatry, the nature of government, and the strange rituals that keep power in place.
The writer’s humor never loses its edge as he dismantles concepts of royalty, democracy and imperialism, exposing the contradictions that underlie each. He also turns a critical gaze toward education, liberty, equality and even marriage, offering witty, sometimes unsettling, maxims that invite listeners to reconsider accepted wisdom. The result is a thought‑provoking, entertaining journey through the absurdities of everyday belief systems, perfect for anyone who enjoys a clever critique of the world’s most taken‑for‑granted ideas.
Language
en
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-07-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1856–1950
Known for witty, talkative plays that poke at class, politics, and human vanity, he helped reshape modern drama. His work ranges from sharp comedies to serious social critique, with "Pygmalion" remaining one of the best known.
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