Second Thoughts are Best: Or a Further Improveme

Name: Second Thoughts are Best: Or a Further Improvement of a Late Scheme to Prevent
Author: Daniel Defoe

In this book, Daniel Defoe examines the consequences of a recent scheme to prevent the spread of disease. He argues that the scheme, which was proposed by a group of physicians, is not sufficient to protect the public from the dangers of contagion. He suggests that further improvements are needed to ensure the safety of the public. He examines the potential consequences of the scheme, including the potential for increased poverty and the risk of creating a false sense of security. He also suggests ways to improve the scheme, such as providing more resources to those affected by the disease and increasing public education about the dangers of contagion. Finally, he argues that second thoughts are best when it comes to public health, and that further improvements should be made to the scheme before it is implemented.

By Daniel Defoe · First published 1729 · Genre: Satire, Political Fiction, Historical Fiction · 5,071 words

First lines

The principal encouragement and opportunity given to our street robbers is, that our streets are so poorly watched; the watchmen, for the most part, being decrepit, superannuated wretches, with one foot in the grave and the other ready to follow; so feeble that a puff of breath can blow them down. Poor crazy mortals! much fitter for an almshouse than a watchhouse. A city watched and guarded by such animals is wretchedly watched indeed.

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Second Thoughts are Best: Or a Further Improvement of a Late Scheme to Prevent is listed on Textopian as an essay by Daniel Defoe, dated 1729 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Daniel Defoe
Date: 1729 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Political Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 5,071 words
Structure: 1 section, 68 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The title of the book implies that the author is satirizing a 'Late Scheme' and suggesting that 'Second Thoughts are Best', which is a common theme in satire.
Political Fiction — The book was written by Daniel Defoe, who was a political activist and wrote extensively about politics. The title of the book also implies that it is about a political scheme.
Historical Fiction — The book was written by Daniel Defoe, who was a historical figure and wrote extensively about history. The title of the book also implies that it is about a historical scheme.
Philosophical Fiction — The book was written by Daniel Defoe, who was a philosopher and wrote extensively about philosophy. The title of the book also implies that it is about a philosophical scheme.