Ars Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"

"Ars Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to 'The Easy Chair'" by George William Curtis is a series of thought-provoking writings that explore the anxieties of a bygone era, offering guidance on living a virtuous life. The collection begins with an introduction that addresses concerns about education and social conduct, it then immediately grapples with the issue of excess in colleges through the story of Young Sardanapalus, a student caught between scholarly work and a life of luxury. Contrasting past and present college experiences, the narrative underlines how wealthy students can significantly influence both academic honesty and social fairness. The author's disapproval of such disparities and a call for simplicity and moral fortitude among young people, signal the collection's larger purpose: to spark thoughtful conversations about moral questions and the difficulties of modern living. These essays cover topics from personal behavior to societal influences, revealing the pressures and temptations of the time with the goal of motivating readers to strive for moral excellence.