26 Results in the "Society" category
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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…-
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 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…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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In "Worldly Ways and Byways," Chapter 3, titled "Contrasted Travelling," contrasts the rich, immersive travel experiences of the past with the more superficial approach of contemporary trips. Fifty years ago, a journey to Europe was a rare and significant event. Travelers prepared extensively, soliciting advice, reading extensively, and even making wills before departure. Upon reaching their destination, they penned detailed letters home and kept journals, recounting adventures that were shared and…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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"The Moth and the Star," Chapter 2 from "Worldly Ways and Byways," explores an intriguing paradox within American society—the widespread fascination among the general populace with the lives of the wealthy and fashionable, despite seemingly no direct connection or similar life experiences. The chapter delves into the puzzling interest ordinary Americans have in the elite's social activities, contrasting it starkly with expectations based on societal norms observed in countries with hereditary nobilities,…
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98.5 K • Ongoing
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Chapter
To the Reader
In "To the Reader," the second chapter of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the author reminisces about a bygone diplomatic practice known as the Pele Mele. This unconventional system, likely devised by an overwhelmed Master of Ceremonies, aimed to alleviate the incessant quarrels over precedence amongst courtiers and diplomats by nullifying rank at social gatherings. Under Pele Mele, individuals secured their positions not through status or entitlement but through wit or luck, leading to a mélange of confusion,…-
98.5 K • Ongoing
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