Project Gutenberg
2003-12-01
Public domain in the USA.
352
Ruskin, John
1819
1900
Ruskin, J. (John)
The Ethics of the Dust
The valley of diamonds -- The pyramid builders -- The Crystal life -- The crystal orders -- Crystal virtues -- Crystal quarrels -- Home virtues -- Crystal caprice -- Crystal sorrows -- The Crystal rest.
Produced by Robert Rowe, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
"The Ethics of the Dust" by John Ruskin is a collection of lectures aimed at young girls, written during the late 19th century. This educational work combines elements of mineralogy and ethical reflections, focusing on the moral implications of how materials, particularly precious stones like diamonds, influence human behavior and society. The lectures take place in a setting designed to stimulate curiosity and engagement among the audience, as Ruskin explores the connections between physical crystals and human values. The opening of the book begins with a playful and imaginative interchange among the characters, including the Old Lecturer and several young girls, who engage in a fantastical discussion about the "Valley of Diamonds." The lecturer introduces themes of beauty, danger, and moral lessons tied to the pursuit of wealth represented by the diamonds. The girls express a mix of awe and fear at the concept of this valley, illustrating how desire can lead to moral quandaries. As they delve into the idea that true beauty can lead to peril, the dialogue sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Ruskin's thoughts on materialism, ethics, and the nature of value in life and art. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 74.4 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
en
Conduct of life
Crystallography
BJ
Text
Category: Philosophy & Ethics
Category: Teaching & Education
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