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A Cynic Looks at Life
A Cynic Looks at Life

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life is here in full — 768 sentences across 154 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.
1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.
But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.
Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.
From the savages we hear very little.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Cynic Looks at Life

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life is here in full — 768 sentences across 154 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/153 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.
/ˈlɪtəl bluː bʊk noʊ/
Line 2
1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.
Line 3
But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.
Line 4
Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.
Line 5
From the savages we hear very little.
/frʌm ðə ˈsævədʒəz wiː hiːr ˈveri ˈlɪtəl/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

affirmative adjective US /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirming or giving assent

From this reading “1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.”

civilize verb US /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/

teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment

From this reading “1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.”

decides verb US /ˌdɪˈsaɪdz/

third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading “1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.”

Edited adjective US /ˈedətəd/

improved or corrected by critical editing

From this reading “1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.”

peoples noun US /ˈpiːpəlz/

the human beings of a particular nation or community or ethnic group

From this reading “Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.”

pitfall noun US /ˈpɪtfɔːl/

an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty

From this reading “But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.”

relies verb US /rɪˈlaɪz/

third-person singular of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading “But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.”

uncivilized adjective US /ənˈsɪvəlaɪzd/

without civilizing influences

From this reading “Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.”

All words in this reading · 99

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1099

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

affirmativeadjectiveUS /əˈfɜːrmətɪv/

affirming or giving assent

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

BLUEadjectiveUS /bluː/

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.

BOOKnounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

civilizeverbUS /ˈsɪvəlaɪz/

teach or refine to be discriminative in taste or judgment

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

ConcerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

decidesverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdz/

third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

desirousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəs/

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

diggingnounUS /ˈdɪɡɪŋ/

the act of digging

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

discussverbUS /dɪˈskʌs/

to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

Doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

doingverbUS /ˈduːɪŋ/

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

EnounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

EditedadjectiveUS /ˈedətəd/

improved or corrected by critical editing

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/

one or the other of two

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

examplenounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəl/

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

externals

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

feetnounUS /fiːt/

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/

usually; as a rule

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

greatlyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪtli/

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

Haldeman-Julius

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

hearverbUS /hiːr/

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading From the savages we hear very little.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

impressiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪv/

making a strong or vivid impression

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

interpretationnounUS /ˌɪntɜːrprɪˈteɪʃən/

a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

irrelevances

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

lapseverbUS /læps/

pass into a specified state or condition

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

LITTLEadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.

logicnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪk/

the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

lyingnounUS /ˈlaɪɪŋ/

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

moreoveradverbUS /mɔːˈroʊvər/

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

necessaryadjectiveUS /ˈnesəseri/

absolutely essential

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

needsadverbUS /niːdz/

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

NOdeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading LITTLE BLUE BOOK NO.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

peoplesnounUS /ˈpiːpəlz/

the human beings of a particular nation or community or ethnic group

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

petitionoun

the logical fallacy of assuming the conclusion in the premises; begging the question

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

pitfallnounUS /ˈpɪtfɔːl/

an unforeseen or unexpected or surprising difficulty

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

principii

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

propounds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

putverbUS /pʊt/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

questionverbUS /ˈkwestʃən/

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

reliesverbUS /rɪˈlaɪz/

third-person singular of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

savagesnounUS /ˈsævədʒəz/

plural of “savage” — a member of an uncivilized people

From this reading From the savages we hear very little.

shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

simplyadverbUS /ˈsɪmpli/

and nothing more

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

supposeverbUS /səˈpoʊz/

express a supposition

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

travelersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/

plural of “traveler” — a person who changes location

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

uncivilization

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

uncivilizedadjectiveUS /ənˈsɪvəlaɪzd/

without civilizing influences

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

unconsciousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəs/

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Concerning uncivilized peoples we know but little except what we are told by travelers--who, speaking generally, can know very little but the fact of uncivilization, as shown in externals and irrelevances, and are moreover, greatly given to lying.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading 1099 Edited by E. Haldeman-Julius The question "Does civilization civilize?" is a fine example of _petitio principii_, and decides itself in the affirmative; for civilization must needs do that from the doing of which it has its name.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

wishesnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪz/

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading But it is not necessary to suppose that he who propounds is either unconscious of his lapse in logic or desirous of digging a pitfall for the feet of those who discuss; I take it he simply wishes to put the matter in an impressive way, and relies upon a certain degree of intelligence in the interpretation.

Chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life by Ambrose Bierce holds 768 sentences, grouped into 154 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life contain?

Chapter 1 holds 768 sentences of A Cynic Looks at Life, unabridged, divided into 154 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life by Ambrose Bierce exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 768 sentences, grouped into 154 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of A Cynic Looks at Life?

Work through the 154 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 154 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading A Cynic Looks at Life

Common questions about reading A Cynic Looks at Life by Ambrose Bierce on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Cynic Looks at Life?

Yes. All 768 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #16340 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Cynic Looks at Life is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #16340, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Cynic Looks at Life take to read?

About 64 minutes of reading across 154 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in A Cynic Looks at Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Cynic Looks at Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Little
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Cynic Looks at Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Edited
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Cynic Looks at Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Haldeman-julius
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Cynic Looks at Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Question
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Cynic Looks at Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.