Unbusinesslike Business
Unbusinesslike Business is a collection of essays by G.K. Chesterton that explore the idea of business and its relationship to society. The book argues that business should be conducted in a way that prioritizes human values over profit, and that true success comes from creating meaningful connections with others.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1920 · Genre: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary · 1,205 words
First lines
The fairy tales we were all taught did not, like the history we were all taught, consist entirely of lies. Parts of the tale of "Puss in Boots" or "Jack and the Beanstalk" may strike the realistic eye as a little unlikely and out of the common way, so to speak; but they contain some very solid and very practical truths. For instance, it may be noted that both in "Puss in Boots" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" if I remember aright, the ogre was not only an ogre but also a magician. And it will generally be found that in all such popular narratives, the king, if he is a wicked king, is generally also a wizard. Now there is a very vital human truth enshrined in this. Bad government, like good government, is a spiritual thing. Even the tyrant never rules by force alone; but mostly by fairy tales. And so it is with the modern tyrant, the great employer. The sight of a millionaire is seldom, in the ordinary sense, an enchanting sight: nevertheless, he is in his way an enchanter.
What this Textopian page supports
Unbusinesslike Business is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Essay, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Literary Criticism
- Length: 1,205 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Unbusinesslike Business by G.K. Chesterton
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Vegetarianism In The Drawing Room by G. K. Chesterton
- The Empire Of The Ignorant by G. K. Chesterton
- Humanity An Interlude by G. K. Chesterton
- A Note On Old Nonsense by G. K. Chesterton
- Whats Wrong With The World by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Satire — The text uses humor and irony to critique modern business practices and societal attitudes towards large corporations.
- Essay — The work presents a structured argument and analysis of contemporary economic and social issues.
- Social Commentary — The narrative provides insights and critiques on the impact of capitalism and monopolies on society and culture.
- Philosophical — The text explores deeper philosophical themes about human nature, governance, and the spiritual aspects of power.
Tags
business · philosophy · economics · critique · society · capitalism · ethics · humor · satire · entrepreneurship · innovation · work