Youth and Egolatry By: Pío Baroja (1872-1956)
In Youth and Egolatry, Pío Baroja delivers a captivating and introspective tale that explores the complexities of youth and the destructive nature of egotism. Set in early 20th century Spain, this novel follows the journey of Andrés Hurtado, a young man brimming with ambition and a relentless determination to leave his mark on the world. Baroja's writing style is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the era's societal landscape and the protagonist's internal struggles. Through his well-constructed narrative, the author masterfully delves into the themes of disillusionment, self-obsession, and the pursuit of personal gratification. Andrés, driven by a desire for success above all else, embarks on a journey filled with encounters that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront the detrimental consequences of his own ego. The character development in this story is exceptionally well-done, as we witness Andrés' transformation from an idealistic dreamer to a man burdened by the weight of his own egolatry. What sets this novel apart is Baroja's ability to craft fully fleshed-out characters with a remarkable range of perspectives and attitudes towards life. From the enigmatic and influential Riquelin, to the cynical and disillusioned Eguren, each of these supporting characters adds depth and nuance to the narrative, allowing for a thought-provoking exploration of the conflicting desires and motivations driving the human condition. Ultimately, Baroja's Youth and Egolatry is both a critique of youthful idealism and a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing one's ego to dictate their actions. The novel forces readers to reflect on their own ambitions and examine the consequences of placing personal gain above all else. While the pacing can occasionally feel slow, Baroja's poetic language and profound insights into the human psyche make this a worthwhile literary journey that stays with you long after the final page. First Page: Youth and Egolatry By PÍO BAROJA Translated from the Spanish By Jacob S. Fassett, Jr. and Frances L. Phillips TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BY H. L. MENCKEN PROLOGUE ON INTELLECTUAL LOVE EGOTISM I. FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS The bad man of Itzea Humble and a wanderer Dogmatophagy Ignoramus, Ignorabimus Nevertheless, we call ourselves materialists In defense of religion Arch European Dionysus or Apollonian Epicuri de grege porcum Evil and Rousseau's Chinaman The root of disinterested evil Music as a sedative Concerning Wagner Universal musicians The folk song On the optimism of eunuchs II. MYSELF, THE WRITER To my readers thirty years hence Youthful writings The beginning and end of the journey Mellowness and the critical sense Sensibility On devouring one's own God Anarchism New paths Longing for change Baroja, you will never amount to anything (A Refrain) The patriotism of desire My home lands Cruelty and stupidity The anterior image The tragi comedy of sex The veils of the sexual life A little talk The sovereign crowd The remedy III. THE EXTRARADIUS Rhetoric and anti rhetoric The rhythm of style Rhetoric of the minor key The value of my ideas Genius and admiration My literary and artistic inclinations My library On being a gentleman Giving offence Thirst for glory Elective antipathies To a member of several academies IV... Continue reading book >>

Youth and Egolatry By: Pío Baroja (1872-1956)

In Youth and Egolatry, Pío Baroja delivers a captivating and introspective tale that explores the complexities of youth and the destructive nature of egotism. Set in early 20th century Spain, this novel follows the journey of Andrés Hurtado, a young man brimming with ambition and a relentless determination to leave his mark on the world.

Baroja's writing style is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the era's societal landscape and the protagonist's internal struggles. Through his well-constructed narrative, the author masterfully delves into the themes of disillusionment, self-obsession, and the pursuit of personal gratification.

Andrés, driven by a desire for success above all else, embarks on a journey filled with encounters that challenge his beliefs and force him to confront the detrimental consequences of his own ego. The character development in this story is exceptionally well-done, as we witness Andrés' transformation from an idealistic dreamer to a man burdened by the weight of his own egolatry.

What sets this novel apart is Baroja's ability to craft fully fleshed-out characters with a remarkable range of perspectives and attitudes towards life. From the enigmatic and influential Riquelin, to the cynical and disillusioned Eguren, each of these supporting characters adds depth and nuance to the narrative, allowing for a thought-provoking exploration of the conflicting desires and motivations driving the human condition.

Ultimately, Baroja's Youth and Egolatry is both a critique of youthful idealism and a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing one's ego to dictate their actions. The novel forces readers to reflect on their own ambitions and examine the consequences of placing personal gain above all else. While the pacing can occasionally feel slow, Baroja's poetic language and profound insights into the human psyche make this a worthwhile literary journey that stays with you long after the final page.

First Page:

Youth and Egolatry

By PÍO BAROJA

Translated from the Spanish By Jacob S. Fassett, Jr. and Frances L. Phillips

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION BY H. L. MENCKEN

PROLOGUE

ON INTELLECTUAL LOVE EGOTISM

I. FUNDAMENTAL IDEAS

The bad man of Itzea Humble and a wanderer Dogmatophagy Ignoramus, Ignorabimus Nevertheless, we call ourselves materialists In defense of religion Arch European Dionysus or Apollonian Epicuri de grege porcum Evil and Rousseau's Chinaman The root of disinterested evil Music as a sedative Concerning Wagner Universal musicians The folk song On the optimism of eunuchs

II. MYSELF, THE WRITER

To my readers thirty years hence Youthful writings The beginning and end of the journey Mellowness and the critical sense Sensibility On devouring one's own God Anarchism New paths Longing for change Baroja, you will never amount to anything (A Refrain) The patriotism of desire My home lands Cruelty and stupidity The anterior image The tragi comedy of sex The veils of the sexual life A little talk The sovereign crowd The remedy

III. THE EXTRARADIUS

Rhetoric and anti rhetoric The rhythm of style Rhetoric of the minor key The value of my ideas Genius and admiration My literary and artistic inclinations My library On being a gentleman Giving offence Thirst for glory Elective antipathies To a member of several academies

IV... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Literature

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