This remarkably perceptive analysis of social and moral issues by the noted British novelist and critic is as relevant today as it was in the autho...
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Aug 03, 2008
Emilia
rated it: 
Oh Chesterton.
You are pretty freaking clever guy, and I love how much you love the poor and think women are glorious generalists and men have sort of a rotten lot in life and that democracy can only take us so far and it is ok to drink and be dirty if that is what you want to do sometimes. I would have come to some different conclusions about stuff (like maybe everybody should be more like ladies, not that ladies shouldn't vote), but basing your commentary on the idea that every person is More...
You are pretty freaking clever guy, and I love how much you love the poor and think women are glorious generalists and men have sort of a rotten lot in life and that democracy can only take us so far and it is ok to drink and be dirty if that is what you want to do sometimes. I would have come to some different conclusions about stuff (like maybe everybody should be more like ladies, not that ladies shouldn't vote), but basing your commentary on the idea that every person is More...
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Dec 17, 2009
Fr.Bill
rated it: 
This book provides near to irrefutable evidence that Chesterton was a prophet, a seer of the future. The truth, however, is more pedestrian -- that Chesterton could immediately recognize the foibles, follies, and lies that eventually poison and kill a culture.
So, in this work, Chesterton repeatedly startles and shocks us, for he reads as if he were commenting on the latest issue of the New York Times rather than the press of his day (early 20th Century). Sex, education, feminism More...
So, in this work, Chesterton repeatedly startles and shocks us, for he reads as if he were commenting on the latest issue of the New York Times rather than the press of his day (early 20th Century). Sex, education, feminism More...
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Feb 03, 2010
Skylar
rated it:
G.K. Chesterton is such an amusing and clever writer that I do believe he could convince me of almost anything. Why, he nearly convinced me that women should never have bothered to obtain the right to vote. I am such an obstinate person, and so inclined to disagree with arguments even before I am certain that I disagree with them, that I am completely in awe of the skill of any writer who can make me half-agree with a position I do not, in fact, agree with. I’d say I tremble before the brillian
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Nov 17, 2009
Maggie
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reading chesterton is always an abrupt awakening into clear thinking (and away from uber-postmodern relativism). whereas some of his thoughts are out of date, such as 1) his reflections on the validity of educating women 2) his subtle class snobbery and 3) his hidden racism, the worst we can truly say is that he was not mean-spirited so much as a man of his times and not of ours. thank goodness society (by and large) has moved on from those narrow ways of "seeing" gender, class, and ra
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Sep 29, 2009
Brett
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Again, never disappointed. He has been called "The Apostle of Common Sense" and "The Prince of Paradox" - and rightfully so. What may be maddening for some is that Chesterton does not give a straightforward argument from science or reason. His style is the argument from fairy tales. He draws on things that ring true and smell right.
In this book, he takes on the problems with liberalism and conservatism. Essentially, he argues the problem with both of them i More...
In this book, he takes on the problems with liberalism and conservatism. Essentially, he argues the problem with both of them i More...
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Jan 20, 2010
John
rated it:
This is a surprisingly relevant book considering its age and the cultural setting behind the book, namely turn of the 20th century England. Chesterton sees oligarchical rule, education, and confusion over sexual identity as two of the primary problems with his age, and I see the same with ours.
Strangely enough, Chesterton's solution involves revolution--a redistribution of the nation's land and man's re-ascension to the top of the chain of being. The conclusion to the book was a More...
Strangely enough, Chesterton's solution involves revolution--a redistribution of the nation's land and man's re-ascension to the top of the chain of being. The conclusion to the book was a More...
Feb 02, 2011
Noël
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The wife is like the fire, or to put things in their proper proportion, the fire is like the wife. Like the fire, the woman is expected to cook: not to excel in cooking, but to cook; to cook better than her husband who is earning the coke by lecturing on botany or breaking stones. Like the fire, the woman is expected to tell tales to the children, not original and artistic tales, but tales—better tales than would probably be told by a first-class cook. Like the fire, the woman is expected to ill
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Jul 29, 2010
Tim
rated it:
I listened to the Librivox version of this book driving to and from work over the course of a week or so. While the content is everything the other high-raters say it is, the quality of the recordings were mixed with a couple chapters being almost unintelligible because of the accents of the reader. I guess I can't complain too much since the price was right. I'll probably eventually get the hardcopy and re-read this but as a way to get some more Chesterton under my belt during my commute it was
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Sep 21, 2011
Michael
rated it:
The Times of London once invited a number of well-known authors to write essays on the theme “What’s Wrong With the World?” G.K. Chesterton wrote his reply in the form of a letter. It read “Dear Sirs, I am. Sincerely Yours, G.K. Chesterton.” It is a letter that showcases his genius; humble, honest, humorous, with a profound understanding of the seriousness and far-reaching effects of individual sin. Apparently, though, Chesterton was not satisfied with just that letter, for he went on to wr
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Oct 26, 2007
Jason
rated it:
Chesterton's wit is in top form, but the content was somewhat disappointing. I tend to agree with Chesterton's overall worldview, so I was excited to get his take on family values and gender roles. Good points here and there, but much of it is somewhat dated -- even for the traditionalist. Much of the discussion is concerned with woman's suffrage, which has long since been settled.
Chesterton does make an interesting distinction between the domestic realm and the professional realm More...
Chesterton does make an interesting distinction between the domestic realm and the professional realm More...
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Dec 31, 2010
Seth
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A fascinating critique of not just what is wrong, but also with the ways proposed to right the wrong.
Chesterton's summary of his book: to show that progress ought to be based on principle, while our modern progress is mostly based on precedent.
In seeking progress, we look forward with enthusiasm because we are afraid to look back. The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been tried and found difficult; and left untried.
Chesterton's summary of his book: to show that progress ought to be based on principle, while our modern progress is mostly based on precedent.
In seeking progress, we look forward with enthusiasm because we are afraid to look back. The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been tried and found difficult; and left untried.
Aug 23, 2011
Andrew
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Oh, how I love Chesterton! When I read him as a 21st century American I can't help but find him a bit stoggy and conservative. But, deeper than his superficial claims is a real gem of true genius. Yes, he is conservative in a sense, in the way that we can mock him for being shocked that women would wear pants. Yet, many of his criticisms of what was becoming modern in his day are now appearing as very real modern disasters. Chesterton, I don't think it's fair to call him conservative, he goes be
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Jan 30, 2011
Joffre
rated it:
As cleverly written as anything he ever did. It was fun to dance around from this to that; Chesterton is such a cogent and cohesive thinker that it all just flows.
Nobody makes writing about the "this far shall you go and no further" than Chesterton.
Nobody makes writing about the "this far shall you go and no further" than Chesterton.
Jan 16, 2012
Strawshine
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This is my favourite G.K. Chesterton book (of the three that I've had the pleasure of reading). Chesterton perceptively diagnosed the ills in society, ills that remain to this day. I do not agree with all that Chesterton writes in "What's Wrong With The World", but I can appreciate his arguments. As an aspiring sociologist, I found the book particularly intriguing. I credit Chesterton with making his case not using excessive theology or religious regulations (as these might distract th
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Nov 12, 2009
Recommended by James Schall in Another Sort of Learning, Chapter 9, as one of Seven Books of G. K. Chesterton, beside Orthodoxy and Heretics, Not to Be Missed, Even Though He Wrote about a Hundred More, Not to Be Missed Either.
Sep 13, 2011
Nettie
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It was interesting, at least from a historical standpoint. Granted, some of the viewpoints were outdated, though I appreciate the dignity in being a housewife. Personally, I would like to have a job, at least for a little while, but a viewpoint where being a homemaker wasn't put in such a negative light was nice to have.
Oct 31, 2011
Brad
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Chesterson's writing style is complex and his ideas can be hard to follow, which is fine if you are interested in the topics of discussion and I wasn't interested in most of the thoughts in this book. I will need to read Orthodoxy and give Mr. C another chance. I hear that is a good book to read by him.
Nov 14, 2010
Daniel
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Not my absolute favorite of his but still a good resounding call for human dignity to be respected in society.
Oct 23, 2010
Mortimus
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Marvelous -- right up there with Christopher Lasch's, Haven in a Heartless World and Huxley's, Brave New World. Obviously very different in many repects from those writers. His insight into the structural connections between captialism and socialism (the Yin and Yang of modernity) is spot on. Now if we could only get the message out to the mindless minions on Left and Right. We need a complete overhaul -- a return to the Household as the intergrating, universal institution -- fundamentally a
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Jul 06, 2011
Brittany
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Chesterton hits the nail on the head with this one, and, as is typical, does it in style. It's also, perhaps quite accidentally, one of the best treatments of the treason of feminism that I've ever had the privilege to come across.
On top of all that, he calls Martin Luther a pagan. What's more, the pagan who was instrumental in the heresies of John Calvin. And that's just funny.
On top of all that, he calls Martin Luther a pagan. What's more, the pagan who was instrumental in the heresies of John Calvin. And that's just funny.
Feb 02, 2011
Cathy
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Absolutley loved it! Incredibly pertinent to today. Look forward to reading it again.
Feb 25, 2010
Hannah
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Such a great read! I wish I had the time to memorize entire chapters.
I did like the first half better than the second half, but it's still well worth reading. Be prepared for Chesterton's very politically incorrect social views.
I did like the first half better than the second half, but it's still well worth reading. Be prepared for Chesterton's very politically incorrect social views.
Jan 03, 2012
David
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Skip the title, read the book. It's a very good summary of Chesterton's wonderfully sharp and unconventional social thought.
Oct 09, 2009
Everett
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Some great passages, but all in all the book is very dated - I prefer the more timeless theology of "Orthodoxy."
Jun 17, 2008
Tammi
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Not as depressing as the title! An interesting insight into how much the world remains the same. Written in about 1910, the language is a bit dated, but is beautiful in it's expressive specificity. GK Chesterton was CS Lewis mentor, and reads much like Lewis work. Well worth the effort of reading. Surprisingly beautiful defense,depiction and understanding of womens roles and the vital nature of motherhood.
