02404cam a22003373u 4500 63001 UtSlPG 20260610134442.0 m cr n 260607r2020||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d 11024158 UtSlPG en iso639-1 HN Martin, Frederick Townsend, 1849-1914 The Passing of the Idle Rich Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2020 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2020-08-21 Produced by Tim Lindell, Charlie Howard, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) "The Passing of the Idle Rich" by Frederick Townsend Martin is a social critique written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the dynamics of American society, particularly focusing on the excesses and moral failings of the wealthy class, which the author dubs the "idle rich." Martin aims to explore the impact of rapid industrialization and its consequences on social structures and values, suggesting that the idle rich contribute to the degradation of society's foundations. At the start of the book, the author establishes his personal background to give credibility to his observations about society. He reflects on the evolution of American society, characterizing it as an oligarchy led by the idle rich, whose behaviors and values have infiltrated and corrupted the social fabric. Martin laments the departure from simpler, more virtuous ideals and traditions, criticizing the meaningless extravagance and moral decay that characterize the contemporary elite. He suggests that this idleness and self-indulgence have not only tarnished the spirit of American society but have also set the stage for class conflicts and societal unrest. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified United States -- Social conditions -- 1865-1918 Wealth -- United States Rich people -- United States https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63001 103825 103825