Novum Organum by Ambrose Bierce
NOVUM ORGANUM is a collection of essays and articles written by Ambrose Bierce in the late 19th century. The book covers a wide range of topics, including literature, history, philosophy, and politics. Bierce's writing style is characterized by his wit, sarcasm, and keen observations on human nature. In "The Old Homestead," Bierce reflects on the passing of time and the importance of preserving memories of the past. In "The Ways of War," he examines the causes and consequences of war, arguing that it is a necessary evil in certain circumstances. Bierce's essays are known for their insightful critiques of literature and culture, as seen in "The Death of the Book," where he laments the decline of reading and the rise of mass media. In "The Greatest of Evils," he explores the nature of evil and how it has evolved over time. Throughout NOVUM ORGANUM, Bierce's writing is characterized by his sharp intellect, his love of language, and his ability to provoke thought and debate. The book remains a classic of American literary nonfiction and continues to be widely read and studied today.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1906 · Genre: Satire, Philosophical, Poetry · 84 words
First lines
In Bacon see the culminating prime Of Anglo-Saxon intellect and crime.
He dies and Nature, settling his affairs, Parts his endowments among us, his heirs: To every one a pinch of brain for seed, And, to develop it, a pinch of greed.
Each thrifty heir, to make the gift suffice, Buries the talent to manure the vice.
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Novum Organum is listed on Textopian as an essay by Ambrose Bierce, dated 1906 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Ambrose Bierce
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Philosophical, Poetry, Social Commentary, Literary Criticism
- Length: 84 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Satire — The poem critiques intellectualism and human greed, using irony to highlight societal flaws.
- Philosophical — It engages with themes of knowledge, morality, and the human condition, reflecting on Bacon's legacy.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — It comments on societal values and the consequences of intellectual pursuits.
Tags
horror · gothic · supernatural · fiction · short stories · anthology · macabre · dark · psychological · thriller · suspense · mystery