Philosophy by Edith Nesbit (1906)
The poem explores the idea that reality is subjective and that individuals perceive the world differently. The speaker contrasts their own perspective with that of a "sulky sage" who sees the world as an illusion, believing only their own thoughts to be real. In contrast, the speaker views the world as a "masque of shadows," but finds reality in their beloved, suggesting that personal relationships can shape one's perception of reality.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1906 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure · 89 words
First lines
THE sulky sage scarce condescends to see This pretty world of sun and grass and leaves; To him 'tis all illusion-only he Is real amid the visions he perceives.
No sage am I, and yet, by Love's decree, To me the world's a masque of shadows too, And I a shadow also-since to me The only real thing in life is-you.
What this Textopian page supports
Philosophy is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Nesbit, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure
- Length: 89 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Philosophy by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Philosophy?
- How does this short story by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Tusculan Disputations by Marcus Tullius Cicero
- Nominalist And Realist by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Theaetetus by Plato
- The Greek World by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
- On Communications by Hilaire Belloc
- Poets And Philosophers by James Mcintyre
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at young readers with its simple language and engaging storytelling.
- Fantasy — The book contains elements of magic and supernatural phenomena, typical of the fantasy genre.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a series of exciting events and challenges that the characters must overcome.
Tags
Philosophy · Non-Fiction · Classics · Literary Criticism · Theory · Metaphysics · Epistemology · Ethics · Logic · Ancient Greek Philosophy · Renaissance Philosophy · Modern Philosophy