On being an Old Bean by G.K. Chesterton
"On Being an Old Bean" is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that explores the joys and challenges of growing older. The book covers topics such as wisdom, experience, and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in old age. It also includes reflections on the changing nature of society and the role of elders in modern life. Overall, "On Being an Old Bean" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that offers valuable insights into the aging process.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1936 · Genre: Essay, Humor, Social Commentary · 1,682 words
First lines
I was looking at some press cuttings that had pursued me down to a remote cottage beside a river of Norfolk; and as it happened, those that caught my eye were mostly not from the vulgar monopolist press, but from all sorts of quieter and even more studious publications. But what struck me as curious about the collection as a whole was the selection, among half a hundred things that were hardly worth saying, of the things that were considered worth repeating. There seemed to be a most disproportionate importance attached to a trivial phrase I had used about the alleged indecorum of a gentleman calling his father an old bean. I had been asked to join in a discussion in the "Morning Post," touching the alleged disrespect of youth towards age, and I had done so; chiefly because I have a respect for the "Morning Post" for its courage about political corruption and cosmopolitan conspiracies, in spite of deep disagreement on other very vital things.
What this Textopian page supports
On being an Old Bean is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1936 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: 1936 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Humor, Social Commentary, Philosophy, Satire
- Length: 1,682 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On being an Old Bean 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
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Similar titles
- On Seriousness by G. K. Chesterton
- The Art Of Missing The Point by G. K. Chesterton
- The Enlightenments Of Pagett M P by Rudyard Kipling
- On Running After Ones Hat by G. K. Chesterton
- A Man Surprised At His Originality by George Eliot
- Ego Et Shavius Meus by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective essay, discussing societal norms and personal observations.
- Humor — The writing style includes wit and humor, particularly in the use of metaphors and comparisons.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques modern social practices and attitudes towards age and respect.
- Philosophy — The work explores philosophical ideas about respect, tradition, and generational differences.
Tags
philosophy · aging · wisdom · humor · reflection · life lessons · nostalgia · identity · experience · perspective · human nature · self-discovery