02153cam a22003133u 4500 25304 UtSlPG 20260610133559.0 m cr n 260607r2008||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Bierce, Ambrose, 1842-1914? The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays : 1909 Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2008 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2008-05-02 Produced by David Widger "The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays" by Ambrose Bierce is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The essays reflect Bierce's astute observations on social and political themes, exploring concepts such as government, authority, and the nature of civilization itself. Bierce's sharp wit and critical commentary engage with various ideologies, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in political philosophy and social critique. At the start of the collection, Bierce sets the stage for a deep examination of political thought, particularly the terms "Socialist," "Anarchist," and "Nihilist." He discusses the confusion surrounding these ideological labels and emphasizes the contentious relationship between authority and public dissent. The opening also highlights Bierce's stance on the necessity of laws and government to maintain social order, criticizing both the extremes of political philosophy as well as the practical failures of self-governance. His reflections reveal a disillusionment with the trajectory of civilization, suggesting that societal decay and moral contradictions persist despite the advancements of political systems. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Essays Howes, S. O. (Silas Orrin), 1867-1918 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25304 66305 66305