The cynic's breviary: Maxims and anecdotes from Nicolas de Chamfort by Chamfort
"The Cynic's Breviary: Maxims and Anecdotes from Nicolas de Chamfort" by Chamfort is a collection of aphorisms and entertaining anecdotes that reflect the wit and philosophy of the French writer, who lived during the 18th century. Written in the late 19th century, this compilation presents Chamfort's sharp observations about society, humanity, and morality, showcasing a blend of cynicism and thoughtful insight characteristic of his era marked by social upheaval and intellectual fervor.
The book is structured around meaningful maxims that delve into topics such as human folly, the nature of love, and the complexities of social interactions. Chamfort employs a sardonic tone, reflecting his disillusionment with both society's vanity and the human condition, inviting readers to contemplate the absurdities of life. Through concise and impactful statements, he critiques societal norms while often exposing the contradictions inherent in human behavior. This work serves not only as a platform for Chamfort’s brilliant wit but also as a historical reflection of his time, illustrating the interplay between individual morality and the prevailing hypocrisies of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The cynic's breviary: Maxims and anecdotes from Nicolas de Chamfort
Original Publication
United Kingdom: Elkin Mathews,1902.
Credits
Wouter Franssen, Thomas Frost, 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.)
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 66.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
