The Soul Of Man Under Socialism

The Soul of Man under Socialism is an 1891 essay by Oscar Wilde. Wilde puts forth the argument that within a capitalist system "the majority of people spoil their lives by an unhealthy and exaggerated altruism - are forced, indeed, so to spoil them" - that the necessity of solving the problems that capitalism creates draws away the talent that could otherwise be used to fulfill one's potential. In taking the the cause of this away, "Socialism itself will be of value simply because it will lead to individualism."

Selection includes The Portrait of Mr W.H., Wilde's defence of Dorian Gray, reviews, and the writings from 'Intentions' (1891): 'The Decay of Lying, 'Pen, Pencil, Poison', and 'The Critic as Artist'. Wilde is familiar to us as the ironic critic behind the social comedies, as the creator of the beautiful and doomed Dorian Gray, as the flamboyant aesthete and the demonised homosexual. This volume presents us with a different Wilde. Wilde emerges here as a deep and serious reader of literature and philosophy, and an eloquent and original thinker about society and art.

‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is an incisive essay on the nature of art, politics, freedom, and the individual. Insightful and sometimes satirical, it dissects the conventions of socialism, run as an authoritarian system. Wilde also goes on to discuss the role of the artist under capitalism and relationship between the needs of the public and art itself. This essay also explores the idea of art as the central pillar to revolution. Divisive at its time of publication, ‘The Soul of Man Under Socialism’ is a fascinating read for those with an interest in art, politics, philosophy, and the great man himself. Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) was an Irish novelist, poet, playwright, and wit. He was an advocate of the Aesthetic movement, which extolled the virtues of art for the sake of art. During his career, Wilde wrote nine plays, including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan,’ and ‘A Woman of No Importance,’ many of which are still performed today. His only novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ was adapted for the silver screen, in the film, ‘Dorian Gray,’ starring Ben Barnes and Colin Firth. In addition, Wilde wrote 43 poems, and seven essays. His life was the subject of a film, starring Stephen Fry.

Collected her in one omnibus edition are Oscar Wilde's most important works including The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Salome, Selected Poems of Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism, The Happy Prince and Other Tales, and The Canterville Ghost. These works of poetry, fiction, drama, and prose encompass Wilde's entire career and they display his range of style and wit. Wilde is one of the most important writers in the history of the English language. Wilder Publications is a green publisher. All of our books are printed to order. This reduces waste and helps us keep prices low while greatly reducing our impact on the environment.

Concise and illuminating articles explore Oscar Wilde's life and work in the context of the turbulent landscape of his time.

'All limitations, external or internal, are prison-walls, and life is a limitation.' Presenting the less familiar, serious Wilde before and after his fall, this volume includes The Soul of Man, a manifesto on Individualism, De Profundis, the self-analysing piece he wrote in gaol, two open letters to the Daily Chronicle on prison injustice, and The Ballad of Reading Gaol, inspiredby the execution of a fellow-prisoner.

Proposed Roads to Freedom is a philosophical treaty written by Bertrand Russell which explores the different ways of improving society with the aim to create a better life for everyone, a life that is aimed at creation instead possession. In a society structured around possession, such as the imperialist capitalism, people who own property can force the masses who own nothing or next to nothing to do whatever they want. In practice, this leads to violation of human rights and exploitation of men, women and children. Russell discusses movements and theories to change society in order to eliminate problems of capitalism. He considers and gives a detailed and informative overview of the systems of anarchism, syndicalism and socialism; and propounds his views as to the most desirable form of societal organization.