Lamp-Posts by G.K. Chesterton (1908)
Lamp-Posts is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that explores various aspects of life and culture in England during the early 20th century. The book includes discussions on topics such as art, literature, religion, politics, and social issues.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1908 · Genre: Essay, Philosophy, Social Commentary · 1,638 words
First lines
In contemplating some common object of the modern street, such as an omnibus or a lamp-post, it is sometimes well worth while to stop and think about why such common objects are regarded as commonplace. It is well worth while to try to grasp what is the significance of them -- or rather, the quality in modernity which makes them so often seem not so much significant as insignificant. If you stop the omnibus while you stop to think about it, you will be unpopular. Even if you try to grasp the lamp-post in your effort to grasp its significance, you will almost certainly be misunderstood. Nevertheless, the problem is a real one, and not without bearing upon the most poignant politics and ethics of to-day. It is certainly not the things themselves, the idea and upshot of them, that are remote from poetry or even mysticism. The idea of a crowd of human strangers turned into comrades for a journey is full of the oldest pathos and piety of human life.
What this Textopian page supports
Lamp-Posts is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Philosophy, Social Commentary, Humor, Literary Criticism
- Length: 1,638 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective and analytical piece discussing the significance of everyday objects, typical of an essay.
- Philosophy — Explores philosophical themes about modernity, significance, and perception of common objects.
- Social Commentary — Comments on societal norms and the perception of commonplace items in modern life.
- Humor — Contains humorous observations and witty remarks about the mundane aspects of life.
Tags
philosophy · faith · morality · society · human nature · metaphor · allegory · light · darkness · guidance · exploration · truth