文档介绍：WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD
WHAT'S WRONG
WITH THE WORLD
. Chesterton
1
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD
DEDICATION
To C. F G. Masterman, M. P.
My Dear Charles,
I originally called this book "What is Wrong," and it would have
satisfied your sardonic temper to note the number of social
misunderstandings that arose from the use of the title. Many a mild lady
visitor opened her eyes when I remarked casually, "I have been doing
'What is Wrong' all this morning." And one minister of religion moved
quite sharply in his chair when I told him (as he understood it) that I had to
run upstairs and do what was wrong, but should be down again in a minute.
Exactly of what occult vice they silently accused me I cannot conjecture,
but I know of what I accuse myself; and that is, of having written a very
shapeless and inadequate book, and one quite unworthy to be dedicated to
you. As far as literature goes, this book is what is wrong and no mistake.
It may seem a refinement of insolence to present so wild a
composition to one who has recorded two or three of the really impressive
visions of the moving millions of England. You are the only man alive
who can make the map of England crawl with life; a most creepy and
enviable plishment. Why then should I trouble you with a book
which, even if it achieves its object (which is monstrously unlikely) can
only be a thundering gallop of theory?
Well, I do it partly because I think you politicians are none the worse
for a few inconvenient ideals; but more because you will recognise the
many arguments we have had, those arguments which the most wonderful
ladies in the world can never endure for very long. And, perhaps, you will
agree with me that the thread radeship and conversation must be
protected because it is so frivolous. It must be held sacred, it must not be
snapped, because it is not worth tying together again. It is exactly because
argument is idle that men (I mean males) must take it seriously