On Seriousness by G.K. Chesterton
On Seriousness is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that explores the concept of seriousness in various aspects of life, including religion, politics, and art. The book argues that true seriousness requires a sense of humor and an appreciation for paradox, and that it is essential to living a meaningful life.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1930 · Genre: Essay, Philosophy, Satire · 1,521 words
First lines
I do not like seriousness. I think it is irreligious. Or, if you prefer the phrase, it is the fashion of all false religions. The man who takes everything seriously is the man who makes an idol of everything: he bows down to wood and stone until his limbs are as rooted as the roots of the tree or his head as fallen as the stone sunken by the roadside. It has often been discussed whether animals can laugh. The hyena is said to laugh: but it is rather in the sense in which the M. P. is said to utter "an ironical cheer. " At the best, the hyena utters an ironical laugh. Broadly, it is true that all animals except Man are serious. And I think it is further demonstrated by the fact that all human beings who concern themselves in a concentrated way with animals are also serious; serious in a sense far beyond that of human beings concerned with anything else. Horses are serious; they have long, solemn faces.
What this Textopian page supports
On Seriousness is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Philosophy, Satire, Social Commentary, Humor
- Length: 1,521 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for On Seriousness by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Humanity An Interlude by G. K. Chesterton
- The Art Of Missing The Point by G. K. Chesterton
- The Pagoda Of Progress by G. K. Chesterton
- Wine When It Is Red by G. K. Chesterton
- The Three Kinds Of Men by G. K. Chesterton
- On Lying In Bed by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Essay — The work is a reflective and argumentative piece that explores philosophical and societal themes, typical of the essay genre.
- Philosophy — The text delves into philosophical discussions about seriousness, religion, and human behavior, aligning with philosophical literature.
- Satire — The writing employs humor and irony to critique societal attitudes towards animals and seriousness, characteristic of satire.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques contemporary societal norms and behaviors, fitting the genre of social commentary.
Tags
philosophy · humor · seriousness · satire · literature · essays · critique · society · morality · human nature · irony · wisdom