The Chief End of Man
The Chief End of Man is a philosophical work by George Spring Merriam, written in the late 19th century. It explores the fundamental purpose of human existence, emphasizing virtues such as fidelity, truth-seeking, courage, and love as essential to an authentic life. Merriam critiques the moral crises of his time and advocates for a re-evaluation of guiding principles in light of declining traditional religious authority. The text draws on historical and spiritual legacies, linking modern ethical thought to Greek, Roman, and Hebrew influences.
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“That life must be worked out by each for himself, equipped as he finds himself by inheritance and circumstance, and guided largely by the sure and simple laws of conduct which he drew in with his mother's milk. Study and thought may help a little, and so such essays as the present are offered for whatever they may afford.””
— George Spring Merriam
“History is to the race what memory is to the individual.””
— George Spring Merriam
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Merriam, George Spring. The Chief End of Man. Lex, lex-books.com/book/the-chief-end-of-man-b1b6348b-7899-400c-83b2-eddea6322929.Merriam, G. S. (n.d.). The Chief End of Man. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-chief-end-of-man-b1b6348b-7899-400c-83b2-eddea6322929Merriam, George Spring. The Chief End of Man. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-chief-end-of-man-b1b6348b-7899-400c-83b2-eddea6322929.
