1answer.
Ask question
Login Signup
Ask question
All categories
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Business
  • History
  • Health
  • Geography
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers and Technology
  • Arts
  • World Languages
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • SAT
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
Licemer1 [7]
3 years ago
10

What is Chesterton’s central idea in this essay, and how does he introduce it?

English
2 answers:
Rudiy273 years ago
7 0

The essay initially pretends to be a critique of a type of self-improvement book popular at the time, which claimed to tell how to achieve success. These books defined success strictly in financial terms and assumed that if anyone follows certain steps, they will be able to duplicate the accomplishments of wealthy business owners. However, Chesterton’s review of these books includes a broader social criticism. The focus on the definition of success strictly in terms of money is central to his essay. But wrapped around that issue is the idea that each person can or should perceive success on the same terms as a business leader. He illustrates the point by saying a donkey is successful at being a donkey as much as a millionaire is successful at being a millionaire, so there is no point in calling a donkey a failed millionaire or vice versa.

To counter the common assumptions about success, Chesterton describes people in various walks of life and how each might more realistically succeed. In this description, he suggests that these books falsely pretend to help people succeed in their own social circles and encourage people to try to become something they are not and cannot ever be.

Chesterton says these writers tell the ordinary man how he may succeed in his career—if he is a builder, he may succeed as a builder; or if he is a stockbroker, he may succeed as a stockbroker. Chesterton increases his satire at this point, commenting that the authors say a grocer may become a sporting yachtsman; a tenth-rate journalist may become a peer, which is a British nobleman; and a German Jew may become an Anglo-Saxon. Obviously, these transitions are unlikely or even impossible. Chesterton then criticizes the main assumption of these books and the society that produces it. By claiming that average people can follow in the steps of business tycoons such as Rothschild or Vanderbilt, the book's author is taking part in "the horrible mysticism of money," in which people worship the unlikely possibility of achieving great riches.

Finger [1]3 years ago
5 0
<span>Chesterton attempted to denounce the idea of self help books and those who were looking to monetize on the misunderstanding and weaknesses of other people who needed assistance. This was considered the Fallacy of Success, in that being successful was not a specific formula, but rather based on work ethic and values.</span>
You might be interested in
What is a intervention programme?
erica [24]

Answer:

An intervention is a combination of program elements or strategies designed to produce behavior changes or improve health status among individuals or an entire population. Interventions may include educational programs, new or stronger policies, improvements in the environment, or a health promotion campaign.

4 0
3 years ago
*50 POINTS + BRAINLIEST*
Ilya [14]
The answer is the third one
5 0
2 years ago
Would you rather get stung by 4 bees or get a really bad sunburn? Why?
choli [55]

Answer:

id rather get stung by bees because it honestly doesnt hurt  as bad a a blistery sunburn

Explanation:

another answer by ANGIE._. YOUR GIRLIEEEE

4 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
THE KNIGHT'S TALE
charle [14.2K]
C) money because the kingdom needed money


8 0
3 years ago
Can someone restate "it is good to never give up on what you want to do "
victus00 [196]
It is a strong thing to persevere.
4 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
Other questions:
  • Which of the two ads shown in the above image is more ethical? Why?
    15·2 answers
  • Why was William lee frantic and breathless when he first arrived at golls drugstore
    11·1 answer
  • What is the summary of the great gatsby
    14·1 answer
  • The next question refers to This Mystery Rocks! by Cynthia Schlagel.
    8·1 answer
  • I do not recollect of ever seeing my mother by the light of day. she was with me in the night. she would lie down with me, and g
    6·1 answer
  • What is the first Percy Jackson book about?
    10·2 answers
  • (e)<br>(f)<br>a<br>2.<br>bxa<br>с<br>a = ?, b = ? and c = ?<br>X​
    11·1 answer
  • Which story line best shows that the narrator is traditional?​
    14·1 answer
  • The company of Johnson &amp; Johnson began in 1886. Its foundation was sterile surgical dressings made for doctors. This idea wa
    5·1 answer
  • How can an organizational system help a pharmacy technician? Check all that apply O An organizational system keeps track of the
    10·1 answer
Add answer
Login
Not registered? Fast signup
Signup
Login Signup
Ask question!