If, Yes and Perhaps Four Possibilities and Six Exaggerations with Some Bits of Fact

** "If, Yes and Perhaps" by Edward Everett Hale is a compilation of thought-provoking essays from the late 1800s where morality meets wry humor in allegorical tales about life's big questions and human nature. The stories introduce us to personalities like Felix Carter, a character who grapples with relatable life challenges, including the impacts of society, or "the Public", on his life as seen in "The Children of the Public," when he and his wife explore their financial realities, having a funny yet touching chat about getting by. We learn Felix's belief that working honestly and counting on society can lead to good things, which he calls the “pork-barrel,” showing Hale's goal to share moral insights through captivating narratives that encourage readers to reflect on their place in the world and the importance of honesty. **