If I May

"If I May" by A. A. Milne is a compilation of insightful essays from the early 1900s, delving into subjects like art, gardening, societal norms, and what it means to be human. Written with Milne's characteristic wit and charm, the essays explore the subtleties of existence and the events shaping our lives. The book begins by pondering the place of artists in the world, playfully weighing their value against more practical jobs. Milne considers how essential artists are for culture in a post-war England, setting figures like Shakespeare and Bach next to the workers who constructed civilisation. Milne uses a story about his time with bees to support his idea about how important creativity can be, even if people don't always see it at first. Right from the start, readers find themselves enjoying Milne's thoughtful approach, which lightheartedly critiques societal values while praising the happiness that comes from creativity in our daily routines.