
A posthumous collection of essays and maxims from a once‑renowned professor of moral philosophy arrives with a wink and a flourish. Presented as a guide to the “popular art of cheating,” the work is peppered with ten illustrative characters who embody the very tricks it describes. The author’s sharp wit turns everyday deceptions into miniature lessons, while the accompanying “Brachylogia” essays probe topics ranging from the hypocrisy of the rich to the quirks of human ambition.
Listeners will find a blend of sly humor and thoughtful critique, delivered in concise, punchy sentences that linger long after the reading ends. Each maxim feels like a playful challenge to conventional virtue, inviting you to spot the thin line between sincerity and artful persuasion. Whether you’re drawn to philosophical satire or simply enjoy clever observations on society’s little contradictions, the book offers both amusement and a chance to reflect on the games we all play.
Language
en
Duration
~46 minutes (44K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bryan Sherman and David Widger
Release date
2004-11-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1803–1873
Best remembered for vivid historical and supernatural fiction, this prolific Victorian writer also left a surprising mark on everyday language with phrases that people still quote today. His stories mix drama, mystery, politics, and the occult in a way that helped shape popular fiction in the 19th century.
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