The Futurists by G.K. Chesterton
The Futurists is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that criticizes the modernist movement and its emphasis on progress, technology, and materialism. The book argues for a return to traditional values and beliefs in order to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1927 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Philosophical · 1,706 words
First lines
It was a warm golden evening, fit for October, and I was watching (with regret) a lot of little black pigs being turned out of my garden, when the postman handed to me, with a perfunctory haste which doubtless masked his emotion, the Declaration of Futurism. If you ask me what Futurism is, I cannot tell you; even the Futurists themselves seem a little doubtful; perhaps they are waiting for the future to find out. But if you ask me what its Declaration is, I answer eagerly; for I can tell you quite a lot about that. It is written by an Italian named Marinetti, in a magazine which is called Poesia. It is headed "Declaration of Futurism" in enormous letters; it is divided off with little numbers; and it starts straight away like this: "1. We intend to glorify the love of danger, the custom of energy, the strengt of daring. 2. The essential elements of our poetry will be courage, audacity, and revolt. 3.
What this Textopian page supports
The Futurists is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1927 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: 1927 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Essay, Philosophical, Criticism, Humor
- Length: 1,706 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Civilization by George Bernard Shaw
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- Where Is Bohemia by Gelett Burgess
- An Essay On Two Cities by G. K. Chesterton
- The Man In Asbestos An Allegory Of The Future by Stephen Leacock
Genres
- Satire — The text employs humor, irony, and exaggeration to critique the principles and absurdities of Futurism.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective and analytical piece discussing the Declaration of Futurism.
- Philosophical — The narrative explores philosophical themes such as the nature of progress, art, and societal values.
- Criticism — The text provides a critical examination of the Futurist movement and its declarations.
Tags
futurism · philosophy · politics · society · technology · critique · modernism · art · culture · innovation · utopia · dystopia