Latter-Day Pamphlets

"Latter-Day Pamphlets" by Thomas Carlyle is a series of essays where the author dissects the swirling societal shifts and critical problems of the 1800s. Carlyle really focuses on ideas like what it means to be a good citizen, how democracy works, and the importance of real leaders in a world that feels like it's falling apart. He judges the way politics are run, noting the need for leaders with strong morals, especially with all the big revolutions happening in Europe. The book starts off serious, describing a society in chaos and calling for a moral rebirth because the old ways aren't working anymore. He uses strong examples to slam political and social movements, arguing that these show a deeper rot and a need for real change. Carlyle talks about how people feel hopeless, how bad things are getting, and what happens when a society believes lies for too long. He begs people to wake up, take action, and chase after real reform and truth, setting the stage for the arguments he'll make in the rest of the book.