LovelyMay
Stories
93
Chapters
1,516
Words
3.4 M
Comments
0
Reading
11 d, 19 h
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In Chapter 4, "The Outer and the Inner Woman," of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author examines the increasing prevalence of shoplifting among educated and seemingly refined women, attributing it to societal values that prioritize ostentation and external appearances over genuine quality and comfort due to rapid, immature prosperity. The author criticizes the societal obsession with luxury and the visible signs of wealth, pointing out that this leads to a preference for public display of wealth over solid…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 6 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" titled "The Complacency of Mediocrity" discusses the perplexing satisfaction found among those of mediocre ability or small intellects, a contentment that seems inversely proportional to their accomplishments or talents. The author observes this phenomenon across various social interactions and compares it to the humility and self-doubt often found in individuals of true talent and achievement, those who have genuinely contributed to their fields. This chapter…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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In Chapter 5 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author reflects on the complex and often unfortunate outcomes of marriages between American women and foreign nobility, drawing from the words of an experienced American lady in Rome who remarked on the rarity of truly happy unions in such circumstances. The author, once naive and idealistic about these international marriages, has come to recognize their inherent challenges through years of observation and reality checks. The narrative begins with a…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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In Chapter 7, "The Discontent of Talent," of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author explores the contrast between the complacency of the ordinary and the restless pursuit of improvement that characterizes the talented. The chapter opens with a critique of self-satisfied individuals who resist change and view their own customs and surroundings as beyond critique. This complacency is notably absent among the more gifted or imaginative, a group which includes well-traveled individuals. Such experiences of…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 8 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" addresses the pervasive issue of slouch or general untidiness and lack of pride in one's appearance and surroundings in America, contrasting it significantly with the tidiness and pride observed in the people and places of Europe. The author passionately advocates for a cultural shift towards neatness and self-respect, suggesting that this change should begin in schools and extend to all public spaces and professions. Through anecdotes and observations, the author…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter 9 of "Worldly Ways and Byways" titled "Social Suggestion" delves into the subtle yet profound influence of social contexts and company on individual tastes, opinions, and behaviors. It opens with a contemplation of how unseen forces shape our perceptions of success and failure, extending this inquiry to the realms of entertainment, art, and fashion. The chapter illustrates through anecdotal evidence how one's environment and companions can dramatically sway one's appreciation for a theater piece or…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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The chapter delves into a reflection on Bohemia, an elusive cultural and social space celebrated for its association with artistic and intellectual freedom, as experienced by a visiting talented English comedian and his wife in New York. Despite enjoying widespread kindness and social engagements in the city, they lament their failure to interact with prominent artistic figures or intellectual luminaries, such as painters, authors, sculptors, or notable inventors like Tesla and Edison, whose works are…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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In "Social Exiles," the author explores the phenomenon of people who, due to economic or personal circumstances, find themselves living indefinitely outside their home country, forming what can only be described as colonies of expatriates. These individuals, often originating from affluent backgrounds, embark on a journey abroad following a change in their financial situation, initially intending it as a temporary move during a period of mourning or for the sake of their children's education. However, as…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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The chapter "Seven Ages" of Furniture from "Worldly Ways and Byways" delineates the evolving tastes in household decoration of an American couple as a metaphor for broader cultural and personal growth. It begins by painting a picture of young American couples, including the trope of the insightful wife and her adoring husband, navigating their way through various stages of domestic aestheticism, influenced largely by their financial status, exposure to different cultures, and the prevailing tastes of their…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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In Chapter 13 of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author delves into the widespread reluctance of socially prominent and intelligent citizens to engage in public life, presenting a thoughtful exploration of the underlying causes. Among the key reasons cited is the geographic separation between the nation's political capital and its economic or cultural centers, a stark contrast to the model observed in countries like England and France. This separation imposes significant personal and professional sacrifices…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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