Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)
Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" by Charles Dudley Warner is an insightful and thought-provoking book that explores the concept of progress in society. Warner raises important questions regarding the true meaning and implications of progress, challenging commonly held assumptions and beliefs. Throughout the book, Warner delves into various aspects of progress, examining its connection to technology, social change, and human development. He argues that progress should not be measured solely by material advancements, but rather by the overall well-being and moral growth of individuals and society as a whole. One of the most compelling aspects of this book is Warner's ability to present a balanced perspective on progress. While acknowledging the undeniable benefits that advancements in science and technology have brought, he also highlights the potential pitfalls and dangers they pose. Warner warns against blindly embracing progress without critically assessing its consequences, reminding readers that progress should be a means to an end, not an end in itself. Moreover, Warner skillfully weaves together historical examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book engaging and relatable. He draws upon figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Henry David Thoreau to offer diverse perspectives on progress, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions inherent in its pursuit. One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to inspire introspection and spark discussions on the nature of progress. Warner encourages readers to reevaluate their own understanding of progress and to consider alternative paths that may lead to a more balanced and sustainable society. He challenges the prevailing notion that progress is synonymous with constant growth and urges individuals to embrace change with caution and discernment. Overall, Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" is a thought-provoking masterpiece that forces us to question our assumptions about progress and its role in society. Warner's eloquent prose and deep insights make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of progress. First Page: THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY MR. FROUDE'S "PROGRESS" By Charles Dudley Warner To revisit this earth, some ages after their departure from it, is a common wish among men. We frequently hear men say that they would give so many months or years of their lives in exchange for a less number on the globe one or two or three centuries from now. Merely to see the world from some remote sphere, like the distant spectator of a play which passes in dumb show, would not suffice. They would like to be of the world again, and enter into its feelings, passions, hopes; to feel the sweep of its current, and so to comprehend what it has become. I suppose that we all who are thoroughly interested in this world have this desire. There are some select souls who sit apart in calm endurance, waiting to be translated out of a world they are almost tired of patronizing, to whom the whole thing seems, doubtless, like a cheap performance. They sit on the fence of criticism, and cannot for the life of them see what the vulgar crowd make such a toil and sweat about. The prizes are the same dreary, old, fading bay wreaths. As for the soldiers marching past, their uniforms are torn, their hats are shocking, their shoes are dusty, they do not appear (to a man sitting on the fence) to march with any kind of spirit, their flags are old and tattered, the drums they beat are barbarous; and, besides, it is not probable that they are going anywhere; they will merely come round again, the same people, like the marching chorus in the "Beggar's Opera... Continue reading book >>

Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" By: Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900)

Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" by Charles Dudley Warner is an insightful and thought-provoking book that explores the concept of progress in society. Warner raises important questions regarding the true meaning and implications of progress, challenging commonly held assumptions and beliefs.

Throughout the book, Warner delves into various aspects of progress, examining its connection to technology, social change, and human development. He argues that progress should not be measured solely by material advancements, but rather by the overall well-being and moral growth of individuals and society as a whole.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is Warner's ability to present a balanced perspective on progress. While acknowledging the undeniable benefits that advancements in science and technology have brought, he also highlights the potential pitfalls and dangers they pose. Warner warns against blindly embracing progress without critically assessing its consequences, reminding readers that progress should be a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Moreover, Warner skillfully weaves together historical examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate his points, making the book engaging and relatable. He draws upon figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Henry David Thoreau to offer diverse perspectives on progress, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions inherent in its pursuit.

One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to inspire introspection and spark discussions on the nature of progress. Warner encourages readers to reevaluate their own understanding of progress and to consider alternative paths that may lead to a more balanced and sustainable society. He challenges the prevailing notion that progress is synonymous with constant growth and urges individuals to embrace change with caution and discernment.

Overall, Thoughts Suggested by Mr. Foude's "Progress" is a thought-provoking masterpiece that forces us to question our assumptions about progress and its role in society. Warner's eloquent prose and deep insights make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of progress.

First Page:

THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY MR. FROUDE'S "PROGRESS"

By Charles Dudley Warner

To revisit this earth, some ages after their departure from it, is a common wish among men. We frequently hear men say that they would give so many months or years of their lives in exchange for a less number on the globe one or two or three centuries from now. Merely to see the world from some remote sphere, like the distant spectator of a play which passes in dumb show, would not suffice. They would like to be of the world again, and enter into its feelings, passions, hopes; to feel the sweep of its current, and so to comprehend what it has become.

I suppose that we all who are thoroughly interested in this world have this desire. There are some select souls who sit apart in calm endurance, waiting to be translated out of a world they are almost tired of patronizing, to whom the whole thing seems, doubtless, like a cheap performance. They sit on the fence of criticism, and cannot for the life of them see what the vulgar crowd make such a toil and sweat about. The prizes are the same dreary, old, fading bay wreaths. As for the soldiers marching past, their uniforms are torn, their hats are shocking, their shoes are dusty, they do not appear (to a man sitting on the fence) to march with any kind of spirit, their flags are old and tattered, the drums they beat are barbarous; and, besides, it is not probable that they are going anywhere; they will merely come round again, the same people, like the marching chorus in the "Beggar's Opera... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
Literature

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