Essays & Short Works
- Philosophical Travelogues
- Essays on Society and Culture
- Essays for Personal Growth
- Explorations in Science and Thought
- Explorations in Psychology
- Political Essays and Reflections
- Political Essays and Manifestos
- Philosophical Essays on Existence
Apology of Socrates
The Apology of Socrates is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he unsuccessfully defended himself in 399 BC against the charg…
Steep Trails
A collection of Muir's previously unpublished essays, released shortly after his death. "This volume will meet, in every way, the high …
About Orchids, a Chat
This is not a manual of instruction for orchid growers; though there are many hints on cultivation, and a few paragraphs on how to hybridize…
From October to Brest-Litovsk
This account by Trotsky is of the events in Russia from the October Revolution of 1917 in Petrograd, to his signing of the Brest-Litovsk tre…
A Room of One’s Own
This feminist essay argues for both a literal and figural space for women writers within a literary tradition dominated by patriarchy. First…
The Book of Tea
The Book of Tea was written by Okakura Kakuzo in the early 20th century. It was first published in 1906, and has since been republished many…
The Curious Republic of Gondour
As the title reveals, these stories are a collection of some of Mark Twain's more fanciful and eccentric works. They run the gamut from poli…
Mark Twain's Journal Writings
This second collection of essays by Mark Twain is a good example of the diversity of subject matter about which he wrote. As with the essays…
The Prince
The Prince (Italian: Il Principe) is a political treatise by the Italian diplomat, historian and political theorist Niccolò Machiavel…
Give Me Liberty
This speech was given March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, and is credited with having singlehandedly convinced the V…
New Discoveries at Jamestown
Chances are, you are reading this because you are aware that Jamestown, Virginia, celebrated its 400th birthday in 2007. It was the first &q…
How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day
"Which of us lives on twenty-four hours a day? And when I say 'lives,' I do not mean exists, nor 'muddles through.'" -- Arnold Ben…
The Soul
Swedenborg, Emanuel, 1688-1772, was born in Stockholm, Sweden and died in London, England. He was a voluminous writer of scientific treatise…
Psychological Types
Ever wondered if there is any "theoretical basis" for the well-known Myers–Briggs Type Indicator Personality Test? In this groundb…
Character Building
Character Building is a compilation of speeches, given by Mr. Booker T. Washington, to the students and staff of the Tuskegee Normal and Ind…
Reflections on the Revolution in France
Reflections on the Revolution in France is a seminal work by Edmund Burke, published in 1790, that offers a profound critique of the French …
Some Rambling Notes of an Idle Excursion
Some Rambling Notes of an Idle Excursion captures the whimsical spirit of Mark Twain as he recounts a journey to Bermuda with friends. This …
Collected Works of Saint Patrick
St. Patrick's Breastplate - This prayer is attributed to St. Patrick and his disciples. It is written with some Celtic pagan elements, but i…
The Everlasting Righteousness
... or How Shall Man Be Just with God?How does salvation work? How does a righteous God declare an unrighteous person to be righteous in His…
How to Succeed
How to Succeed by Orison Swett Marden offers a practical guide to achieving personal and professional success. Written in 1896, this influen…