A Cynic Looks at Life by Ambrose Bierce
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"A Cynic Looks at Life" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of essays and philosophical reflections written during the early 20th century. The book examines the nature of civilization, human behavior, and societal norms, often adopting a critical and cynical perspective. Bierce's insightful yet scathing observations about life and humanity highlight the dark absurdities of the world, reflecting the complex interplay of morality, egoism, and the human condition. In this thought-provoking work,
Bierce challenges the notion that civilization inherently improves human nature, arguing that it rather reveals humanity's flaws and contradictions. He adopts a skeptical approach to topics such as patriotism, societal inequalities, and the might of majorities, suggesting that progress often comes at the cost of suffering and unjust practices. The essays blend wit with a profound exploration of ethical dilemmas, resulting in a compelling critique of civilization and a reflection on the human experience. Through his sharp commentary, Bierce encourages readers to question accepted norms and recognize the inherent contradictions within themselves and society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Bierce, Ambrose, 1842-1914? |
|---|---|
| Editor | Haldeman-Julius, E. (Emanuel), 1888-1951 |
| Title | A Cynic Looks at Life |
| Series Title | Little Blue Book # 1099 |
| Contents | Civilization -- The gift o' gab -- Natura benigna -- The death penalty -- Immortality -- Emancipated woman -- A mad world -- Epigrams of a cynic. |
| Credits |
Produced by Ted Garvin, Dave Macfarlane and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 59.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | Essays |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 16340 |
| Release Date | Jul 21, 2005 |
| Last Update | Dec 12, 2020 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 488 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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