Man As He Is

by Robert Bage

""Man As He Is"" is a philosophical work by Robert Bage that explores the nature of humanity. The book delves into the complexities of human existence, examining the various aspects of human nature such as reason, emotion, and morality. Bage offers his thoughts on the purpose of human life, the role of society in shaping individuals, and the relationship between the individual and the state. He also discusses the impact of religion and spirituality on human behavior and the potential for individuals to transcend their limitations. ""Man As He Is"" is a thought-provoking and insightful work that offers a unique perspective on the human condition.""Oh, any man; every man, if it could be found; but know you any individual in which such judgment resides? If any one has pretensions to elegance of her own, is it not sacrificed at the shrine of fashion? Is there any one who does not execrate (I do not mean that ladies swear) the tyranny which subjects them to incommodious and ugly habiliments? one who does not cry out upon the shocking--the absurd of this new invented --something, even on their way to the miliners, where they are hastening, like racers to the goal, lest the evanescent cap of folly should be gone before they had worn it?""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

412 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1792

About the author

Robert Bage was an English businessman and novelist.

It was not until he was 53 that he took to literature; but in the 15 years following he produced six novels, of which Sir Walter Scott said that "strong mind, playful fancy, and extensive knowledge are everywhere apparent."

Scott included Mount Henneth (1781), Barham Downs (1784), and James Wallace (1792) in his series of Ballantyne novels. Bage was brought up as a Quaker, but he became a philosophical and religious radical after the French Revolution. He advocated democracy and equality (the abolition of the peerage), as well as the abolition of institutional religion. A member of the Derby Philosophical Society,
he was also associated with the Lunar Society of Birmingham.

The work for which he is chiefly read today is Hermsprong, his last novel. Although regarded as radical at the time, it is somewhat disjointed. The first section has strong philosophical content; however, it then turns to a sentimental novel form and follows a romance. The philosophical challenge of the novel is that it concerns an American who has been raised entirely by American Indians, without either formal education or religion.

With only nature to teach him, he sees through the hypocrisy of society and English manners. It is notable for pursuing the theme of the noble savage and, in particular, "nativism" or innatism. When the novel exchanges social satire for a love story, however, it loses any power to debunk educational and classist abuses.