Some Causes of the Prevailing Discontent

Name: Some Causes of the Prevailing Discontent
Author: Charles Dudley Warner

By Charles Dudley Warner

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About This Book

The essay analyzes social unrest by arguing that an overemphasis on absolute equality and the neglect of corresponding duties, combined with laissez-faire assumptions, fosters unrealistic expectations and widespread dissatisfaction. It contrasts substantial material improvements and expanded freedoms with persistent inequality and relative deprivation that make progress feel inadequate. Industrial urban misery is presented as a striking exception to general uplift. The author also traces agitation to organized or self-interested agitators and imported grievances, and recommends addressing discontent through moral responsibility, charity, and measured political remedies.

About the Author

Charles Dudley Warner

Charles Dudley Warner (1829-1900) was an American essayist, novelist, and social critic, known for his keen observations on American life and culture. He was a prominent figure in the literary scene of the late 19th century and is often associated with the Hartford Wits, a group of writers from Connecticut. Warner's works, such as "Being a Boy" and "Backlog Studies," reflect his insightful commentary on society, education, and the human experience. He collaborated with Mark Twain on "The Gilded Age," which satirizes the greed and corruption of post-Civil War America. Warner's contributions to literature continue to resonate, offering a window into the complexities of his time.