The Unit of the World

Name: The Unit of the World
Author: Alice Meynell

The Unit of the World by Alice Meynell is a collection of essays that explore the concept of unity in literature and culture. In these essays, Meynell argues that the unit of the world is not a fixed or static entity, but rather a dynamic and constantly evolving one. She examines how different works of literature and art reflect this idea of unity, and how they contribute to a larger understanding of the world and our place in it. Can I help you with anything else?

By Alice Meynell · First published 1907 · Genre: Philosophy, Non-fiction, Theory & Philosophy · 1,399 words

First lines

The quarrel of Art with Nature goes on apace. The painters have long been talking of selecting, then of rejecting, or even, with Mr. Whistler, of supplanting. And then Mr. Oscar Wilde, in the witty and delicate series of inversions which he headed 'The Decay of Lying,' declared war with all the irresponsibility naturally attending an act so serious. He seems to affirm that Nature is less proportionate to man than is architecture; that the house is built and the sofa is made measurable by the unit measure of the body; but that the landscape is set to some other scale. 'I prefer houses to the open air. In a house we all feel of the proper proportions. Egotism itself, which is so necessary to a proper sense of human dignity, is absolutely the result of indoor life.' Nevertheless, before it is too late, let me assert that though nature is not always clearly and obviously made to man's measure, he is yet the unit by which she is measurable. The proportion may be far to seek at times, but the proportion is there. Man's farms about the lower Alps, his summer pastures aloft, have their relation to the whole construction of the range; and the range is great because it is great in regard to the village lodged in a steep valley in the foot hills. The relation of flower and fruit to his hands and mouth, to his capacity and senses (I am dealing with size, and nothing else), is a very commonplace of our conditions in the world. The arm of man is sufficient to dig just as deep as the harvest is to be sown.

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The Unit of the World is listed on Textopian as an essay by Alice Meynell, dated 1907 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1907 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophy, Non-fiction, Theory & Philosophy, Educational
Length: 1,399 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophy — This book primarily explores philosophical concepts about the nature of life, existence and the world. It is a philosophical inquiry into the relationships and interactions between individuals, society and the world.
Non-fiction — Instead of a fictional narrative or story, the book provides nonfiction content, exploring real-life phenomenon, theories and concepts.
Theory & Philosophy — This book can be classified under theory and philosophy due to the in-depth examination of various theoretical and philosophical perspectives.
Educational — It provides explanation on various philosophical concepts or ideas and their applications, which make it educational.