The Chief End of Man By: George Spring Merriam (1843-1914)
The Chief End of Man by George Spring Merriam is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves into the fundamental purpose and meaning of human existence. Merriam demonstrates a deep understanding of various philosophical and spiritual traditions, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the chief end or ultimate goal that humans should strive towards. One of the book's notable strengths is its ability to engage readers from all backgrounds and belief systems. Merriam presents a balanced analysis of different religious and philosophical perspectives, allowing readers to approach the topic from their own frame of reference. By doing so, he encourages open-mindedness and fosters a sense of intellectual exploration. The author's writing style is clear and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for readers with limited prior knowledge of the subject matter. Merriam carefully explains intricate philosophical ideas with an impressive level of clarity, ensuring that his readers can fully grasp the nuances and implications of each argument. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to transcend the boundaries of religious dogma. While the book does incorporate religious ideas, Merriam emphasizes the importance of personal introspection and rational thinking. Instead of dictating a specific religious viewpoint, he encourages readers to reflect upon their own experiences and beliefs, ultimately leading them towards a more profound understanding of their existence. Throughout the book, Merriam challenges readers to question conventional wisdom and examine the limitations of their own perspectives. Through engaging anecdotes and thought experiments, he prompts readers to reevaluate their assumptions and consider alternative viewpoints. This intellectual exercise not only enriches the reading experience but also serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection. The Chief End of Man is an invaluable resource for those seeking answers to life's most profound questions. It offers a compelling and well-reasoned exploration of the ultimate purpose of human existence, transcending religious, cultural, and philosophical boundaries. Merriam's eloquent prose and keen insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the meaning of life and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. First Page: THE CHIEF END OF MAN BY GEORGE S. MERRIAM BOSTON AND NEW YORK HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY The Riverside Press, Cambridge 1897 Copyright, 1897, BY GEORGE S. MERRIAM. All rights reserved. The chief end of man, to define it anew, and cite the witness of the ages, may seem an audacious attempt, likely to issue in failure or in commonplace. By the scholar this work must often be judged as crude, to the churchman it will sometimes seem mischievous, and to the man of science it may appear to lack solidity of demonstration. But its essential purpose is to utter afresh, though it be with stammering tongue, the message with which the universe has answered the soul of man whenever he listened most closely and obeyed most faithfully. It is the assurance that Fidelity, Truth seeking, Courage, and Love are the rightful lords of human life, and its sufficient guides and interpreters. It is the knowledge that as man is true to his best self he finds the universe his friend. That message the seeing eye reads in the face of earth, and the listening ear hears it in the song of the morning stars. The will finds it as answer to its loyal endeavor. The heart wins it through rapture and through anguish. It is our dearest inheritance, it is our most arduous achievement... Continue reading book >>

The Chief End of Man By: George Spring Merriam (1843-1914)

The Chief End of Man by George Spring Merriam is an insightful and thought-provoking book that delves into the fundamental purpose and meaning of human existence. Merriam demonstrates a deep understanding of various philosophical and spiritual traditions, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the chief end or ultimate goal that humans should strive towards.

One of the book's notable strengths is its ability to engage readers from all backgrounds and belief systems. Merriam presents a balanced analysis of different religious and philosophical perspectives, allowing readers to approach the topic from their own frame of reference. By doing so, he encourages open-mindedness and fosters a sense of intellectual exploration.

The author's writing style is clear and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for readers with limited prior knowledge of the subject matter. Merriam carefully explains intricate philosophical ideas with an impressive level of clarity, ensuring that his readers can fully grasp the nuances and implications of each argument.

What sets this book apart is the author's ability to transcend the boundaries of religious dogma. While the book does incorporate religious ideas, Merriam emphasizes the importance of personal introspection and rational thinking. Instead of dictating a specific religious viewpoint, he encourages readers to reflect upon their own experiences and beliefs, ultimately leading them towards a more profound understanding of their existence.

Throughout the book, Merriam challenges readers to question conventional wisdom and examine the limitations of their own perspectives. Through engaging anecdotes and thought experiments, he prompts readers to reevaluate their assumptions and consider alternative viewpoints. This intellectual exercise not only enriches the reading experience but also serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection.

The Chief End of Man is an invaluable resource for those seeking answers to life's most profound questions. It offers a compelling and well-reasoned exploration of the ultimate purpose of human existence, transcending religious, cultural, and philosophical boundaries. Merriam's eloquent prose and keen insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the meaning of life and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

First Page:

THE CHIEF END OF MAN

GEORGE S. MERRIAM

BOSTON AND NEW YORK

HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY

The Riverside Press, Cambridge

1897

BY GEORGE S. MERRIAM.

The chief end of man, to define it anew, and cite the witness of the ages, may seem an audacious attempt, likely to issue in failure or in commonplace. By the scholar this work must often be judged as crude, to the churchman it will sometimes seem mischievous, and to the man of science it may appear to lack solidity of demonstration. But its essential purpose is to utter afresh, though it be with stammering tongue, the message with which the universe has answered the soul of man whenever he listened most closely and obeyed most faithfully.

It is the assurance that Fidelity, Truth seeking, Courage, and Love are the rightful lords of human life, and its sufficient guides and interpreters. It is the knowledge that as man is true to his best self he finds the universe his friend.

That message the seeing eye reads in the face of earth, and the listening ear hears it in the song of the morning stars. The will finds it as answer to its loyal endeavor. The heart wins it through rapture and through anguish. It is our dearest inheritance, it is our most arduous achievement... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Religion

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