Ethics in a Modern World

"Other People's Lives" by Rosa Nouchette Carey presents a collection of stories that delve into the domestic realities of her time, reflecting the wholesome values and the gritty realism of everyday life. Through the lens of families navigating limited means, grappling with loss, and adjusting to new environments, Carey captures the intricate dynamics of family relationships, including the frictio...

"Engaged" by W S Gilbert is a delightful comedy that explores the complexities of love and societal expectations through the lens of its charming characters. The story centers on Cheviot Hill, a young man of property, who grapples with the notion of love versus prosperity, as he navigates the affections of Belinda Treherne and the opinions of his friend, Belvawney. This witty narrative highlights...

"Camp Fire Girls in the Outside World" by Margaret Vandercook tells the story of Betty Ashton, a young girl grappling with a series of personal challenges, including her mother's illness and financial struggles, as she considers selling her family home in England. Just when hope seems lost, a mysterious package arrives at her door, promising to change her life forever. This tale of resilience and...

The "Coffee Break Collection 015 - World of Work" brings together a selection of public domain works that explore the significance of work and the workplace, perfect for those brief moments when you crave a complete story. With pieces ranging from three to fifteen minutes, this collection is ideal for study breaks, commutes, or workouts, allowing listeners to engage with thought-provoking themes i...

"History of Freedom of Thought" by John Bagnell Bury explores the evolution of one of humanity's most cherished liberties: the freedom to think freely. Tracing its origins from Ancient Greece and Rome through the oppressive Middle Ages to the enlightening Renaissance and Reformation, Bury highlights how the Renaissance's revival of inquiry and the Rationalism of the 17th to 19th centuries laid the...

"Future in America: A Search After Realities" by H.G. Wells presents a thought-provoking collection of travel essays that delve into America's enduring social, economic, and developmental challenges. Written by one of the most renowned antiquarian authors, these essays reflect the complexities of a nation grappling with its identity and progress. The themes explored in this work remain relevant to...

"Flowers of Freethought First Series" by George William Foote is a compelling collection of 51 short essays that delve into the author's critical views on religion, particularly Christianity. Originally published in "The Freethinker," these essays cover a wide range of topics, from biblical narratives and the concept of blasphemy to the portrayal of women in religious texts. Foote's unwavering con...

"Gulliver of Mars," originally titled "Lieutenant Gullivar Jones: His Vacation," is an enthralling escapist novel that follows the adventures of American Navy Lieutenant Gulliver Jones as he is magically transported to Mars. In this fantastical realm, Jones navigates a series of challenges where he nearly outsmarts his foes, almost wins the heart of a love interest, and comes close to saving the d...

"Catechism of Familiar Things Their History and the Events Which Led to Their Discovery" offers an engaging exploration of everyday objects through a lens of scientific inquiry and historical context. Revised by a knowledgeable Reverend, the book simplifies complex concepts and highlights significant inventors and scientists, making it accessible to all readers. Its thoughtful definitions of chall...

"Danger Trail" by James Oliver Curwood follows Chicago engineer Jack Howland as he ventures to the perilous Canadian barren lands to establish a train route. Faced with treacherous terrain and a series of mysterious encounters, Howland grapples not only with the challenges of the landscape but also with enigmatic visitors, suspicious characters, and a captivating girl. This thrilling tale of adven...

"Worst Journey in the World Vol 2" by Apsley Cherry-Garrard is a poignant memoir recounting the harrowing experiences of the 1910–1913 British Antarctic Expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott. Written by a survivor, this work offers a frank exploration of the expedition's challenges, the factors contributing to its tragic outcome, and the deeper implications of human suffering in the face of extrem...

"Discoveries: Essays in Literary Criticism" by John Middleton Murry invites listeners into the deeply personal journey of literary exploration and criticism. Murry reflects on the elation and excitement that arise from losing oneself in the world of literature, emphasizing that criticism is an intimate affair shaped by individual temperament and belief. He asserts that each honest critic reveals a...

"Stories of the Lives of Noble Women" by W H Davenport Adams showcases the higher qualities that elevate the character of women, illuminating their profound impact on daily life. This volume serves as a tribute to the virtues that inspire and uplift society, emphasizing the enduring strength and grace found in noble women throughout history. Listening to these stories today offers a timeless remin...

Around The World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne is a timeless adventure that follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, who wagers that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. This classic tale explores themes of determination, ingenuity, and the spirit of exploration, making it a captivating listen for audiences today. The story's enduring appeal lies in its celebration of human ambition an...

Rising Tide of Color Against White World-Supremacy by Lothrop Stoddard is a pivotal examination of racial dynamics in the aftermath of the First World War. Stoddard argues that the dominance of white supremacy is not a permanent fixture and predicts that other races will rise to challenge this status quo. His insights into the shifting racial trends of his time offer a thought-provoking reflection...

"Dynamic Thought Or The Law of Vibrant Energy" by William Walker Atkinson presents a unique fusion of ancient occult teachings and modern scientific concepts, exploring the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate realms. Atkinson suggests that true understanding and love flourish when there is a shared passion or interest, a theme that resonates deeply in today's world as we seek common gr...

Giorgio Vasari's "Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects Vol 3" is a compelling collection of biographies that highlights the lives and works of influential Italian artists from Cimabue to the Renaissance. As a pioneering text in art history, it offers invaluable insights into the creative processes and personal stories of these masterful figures, making it a foundational wo...

"Great Testimony against Scientific Cruelty" by Stephen Coleridge delves into the historical opposition to vivisection, the practice of performing operations on live animals for research purposes. Through the personal histories of twelve notable critics in 19th century England, Coleridge sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal experimentation, particularly in an era before the adven...

"Flower of the North" by James Oliver Curwood follows Philip Whittemore on a captivating journey up the Churchill River in northern Canada, leading him to the enigmatic Fort o' God. This mysterious outpost, veiled in secrecy, introduces him to Jeanne D'Arcambal and her protector Pierre, who harbor untold stories and a clouded past. As Whittemore uncovers the layers of their identities, the novel e...

Giorgio Vasari's "Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects Vol 5" offers a captivating exploration of the lives and works of Italy's greatest artists from Cimabue to the Renaissance. This seminal collection of biographies is not only a cornerstone of art history but also a reflection of the cultural and ethical values of its time. Vasari's insights into the creative process an...

"Greatest Thing in the World and Other Addresses" by Henry Drummond is a profound exploration of Christian love, particularly as articulated in the thirteenth chapter of I Corinthians. Drummond's analysis delves into the essence of love, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience. Alongside this central theme, the other addresses reflect on various facets of Christian life an...

"City at World's End" by Edmond Hamilton explores the aftermath of a surprise nuclear war that leads to an unexpected conclusion to civilization. This classic science fiction tale, originally published in Galaxy Magazine, delves into the themes of survival and the unforeseen consequences of human conflict. As listeners navigate the gripping narrative, they are prompted to reflect on the fragility...

Hollywood: Its Morals and Manners is Theodore Dreiser's compelling four-part expose on the motion picture industry, originally serialized in Shadowland from November 1921 to February 1922. Through his keen observations from an extended stay in Los Angeles, Dreiser unveils the often hidden, seedier aspects of Hollywood life, providing a candid look at the moral complexities and societal dynamics wi...

"Flowers of Freethought First Series" by George William Foote is a compelling collection of 51 short essays that delve into the author's critical views on religion, particularly Christianity. Originally published in "The Freethinker," these essays cover a wide range of topics, from biblical narratives and the concept of blasphemy to the portrayal of women in religious texts. Foote's unwavering con...

"Golden Snare" by James Oliver Curwood follows Philip Raine, a member of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, as he tracks down the elusive and savage Bram Johnson, a man wanted for murder who commands a pack of wolves. Central to the mystery is a golden snare, delicately woven from a woman's flaxen hair, which raises questions about the connection between this half-human figure and a woman of beau...