Heretics by G.K. Chesterton (1905)

Name: Heretics
Author: G.K. Chesterton

In Heretics, G.K. Chesterton examines the ideas of some of the most influential thinkers of his time, including George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, and Oscar Wilde. He argues that their ideas are not only wrong, but dangerous. He argues that their ideas are based on a shallow understanding of the world and that they are often motivated by a desire to shock and scandalize. He also argues that their ideas are often based on a misunderstanding of Christianity and that they are often used to promote a false sense of progress. In the end, Chesterton argues that the only way to truly progress is to embrace the Christian faith.

By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1905 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Religious Fiction · 20 chapters · 64,265 words

First lines

Nothing more strangely indicates an enormous and silent evil of modern society than the extraordinary use which is made nowadays of the word "orthodox." In former days the heretic was proud of not being a heretic. It was the kingdoms of the world and the police and the judges who were heretics. He was orthodox. He had no pride in having rebelled against them; they had rebelled against him. The armies with their cruel security, the kings with their cold faces, the decorous processes of State, the reasonable processes of law--all these like sheep had gone astray. The man was proud of being orthodox, was proud of being right. If he stood alone in a howling wilderness he was more than a man; he was a church. He was the centre of the universe; it was round him that the stars swung. All the tortures torn out of forgotten hells could not make him admit that he was heretical. But a few modern phrases have made him boast of it. He says, with a conscious laugh, "I suppose I am very heretical," and looks round for applause. The word "heresy" not only means no longer being wrong; it practically means being clear-headed and courageous. The word "orthodoxy" not only no longer means being right; it practically means being wrong. All this can mean one thing, and one thing only. It means that people care less for whether they are philosophically right. For obviously a man ought to confess himself crazy before he confesses himself heretical. The Bohemian, with a red tie, ought to pique himself on his orthodoxy. The dynamiter, laying a bomb, ought to feel that, whatever else he is, at least he is orthodox.

What this Textopian page supports

Heretics is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: G.K. Chesterton
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 64,265 words
Structure: 20 chapters, 426 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Heretics by G.K. Chesterton
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 Heretics?
How does this essay by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Philosophical Fiction — The book is a philosophical exploration of the ideas of heresy and orthodoxy, and how they relate to faith and reason.
Satire — The book is a satirical exploration of the ideas of heresy and orthodoxy, and how they relate to faith and reason.
Religious Fiction — The book is a religious exploration of the ideas of heresy and orthodoxy, and how they relate to faith and reason.
Historical Fiction — The book is set in a historical context and explores the ideas of heresy and orthodoxy, and how they relate to faith and reason.