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A Modern Symposium
A Modern Symposium

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of A Modern Symposium is here in full — 430 sentences across 86 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/86 · 5 lines
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"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.
But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.
Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.
History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.
Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Modern Symposium

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of A Modern Symposium is here in full — 430 sentences across 86 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/86 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.
Line 2
But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.
/bʌt wʌt aɪ ʃʊd faɪnd ɪt hɑːrd tuː kənˈveɪ ɪkˈsept tuː æn ˈɑːdiəns priˈperd baɪ jɪrz ʌv ˈstʌdi ɪz ðə ɪnˈθuːziæzəm ɔːr ˈræðər ðə ɡraʊndz fɔːr ðə ɪnˈθuːziæzəm ðæt ˈænəməts ʌs/
Line 3
Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.
Line 4
History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.
/ˈhɪstəri ənd əˈnæləsəs ɑːr ˈaʊər ɡaɪdz ˈhɪstəri fɔːr ðə fɜːrst taɪm ˌkɑːmprɪˈhendɪd əˈnæləsəs fɔːr ðə fɜːrst taɪm ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪkəli əˈplaɪd/
Line 5
Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

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.

animates verb US /ˈænəməts/

third-person singular of “animate” — heighten or intensify

From this reading “But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.”

collectivism noun US /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/

Soviet communism

From this reading “"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.”

economic adjective US /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/

of or relating to an economy, the system of production and management of material wealth

From this reading “"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.”

formulae noun US /ˈfɔːrmjəleɪ/

plural of “formula” — a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement

From this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

relying verb US /riˈlaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

revolutionists noun US /ˌrevəˈluːʃənɪsts/

plural of “revolutionist” — a radical supporter of political or social revolution

From this reading “Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.”

scientifically adverb US /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪkəli/

with respect to science; in a scientific way

From this reading “History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.”

socialist noun US /ˈsoʊʃələst/

a political advocate of socialism

From this reading “"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

broad daylight adjective + noun

In this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

relying upon verb + particle counted as “rely upon”

put trust in with confidence

In this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

political parties adjective + noun counted as “political party”

an organization to gain political power

In this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

along a road preposition + article + noun counted as “along … road”

In this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

main features adjective + noun counted as “main feature”

In this reading “"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.”

first time adjective + noun

In this reading “History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.”

on the horizon preposition + article + noun counted as “on … horizon”

In this reading “Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.”

really valuable adverb + adjective

In this reading “"I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.”

All words in this reading · 114

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

accomplishedadjectiveUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃt/

highly skilled

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

activitiesnounUS /ækˈtɪvətiz/

plural of “activity” — any specific behavior

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/

Having no one else present.

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

analysisnounUS /əˈnæləsəs/

an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

animatesverbUS /ˈænəməts/

third-person singular of “animate” — heighten or intensify

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

appliedadjectiveUS /əˈplaɪd/

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

ascertainedadjectiveUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnd/

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

audiencenounUS /ˈɑːdiəns/

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

broadadjectiveUS /brɔːd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

ceasedverbUS /siːst/

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

clearlyadverbUS /ˈklɪrli/

without doubt or question

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

collectivismnounUS /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/

Soviet communism

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

completeverbUS /kəmˈpliːt/

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

comprehendedadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhendɪd/

fully understood or grasped

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/

(of information) make known; pass on

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

darknounUS /dɑːrk/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

daylightnounUS /ˈdeɪlaɪt/

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

deriveverbUS /dərˈaɪv/

reason by deduction; establish by deduction

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

distinctlyadverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋktli/

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

economicadjectiveUS /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/

of or relating to an economy, the system of production and management of material wealth

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

enthusiasmnounUS /ɪnˈθuːziæzəm/

a feeling of excitement

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

formulaenounUS /ˈfɔːrmjəleɪ/

plural of “formula” — a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

forwardadverbUS /ˈfɔːrwərd/

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/

the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

gradualadjectiveUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəl/

proceeding in small stages

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

gropingadjectiveUS /ˈɡroʊpɪŋ/

acting with uncertainty or hesitance or lack of confidence

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

groundsnounUS /ɡraʊndz/

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

guidesnounUS /ɡaɪdz/

plural of “guide” — someone employed to conduct others

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

HistorynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

horizonnounUS /hərˈaɪzən/

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

idealsnounUS /aɪˈdiːlz/

plural of “ideal” — the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

includeverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːd/

have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/

arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

intuitions

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

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

issuingnounUS /ˈɪʃuːɪŋ/

the act of providing an item for general use or for official purposes (usually in quantity)

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

mainadjectiveUS /meɪn/

most important element

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

outlinenounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪn/

the line that appears to bound an object

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

outworn

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

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

partialadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːrʃəl/

being or affecting only a part; not total

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

partiesnounUS /ˈpɑːrtiz/

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

politicaladjectiveUS /pəˈlɪtəkəl/

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

relyingverbUS /riˈlaɪɪŋ/

-ing form of “rely” — have faith or confidence in

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

revolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

revolutionistsnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃənɪsts/

plural of “revolutionist” — a radical supporter of political or social revolution

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

roadnounUS /roʊd/

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

schemenounUS /skiːm/

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

scientificallyadverbUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪkəli/

with respect to science; in a scientific way

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

socialistnounUS /ˈsoʊʃələst/

a political advocate of socialism

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

systemnounUS /ˈsɪstəm/

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading History and analysis are our guides; history for the first time comprehended, analysis for the first time scientifically applied.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

tracenounUS /treɪs/

a just detectable amount

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

transitionnounUS /trænˈzɪʃən/

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

UnlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

valuableadjectiveUS /ˈvæljəbəl/

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading "I have thus indicated in outline the main features of the socialist scheme--an economic revolution accomplished by a gradual and peaceful transition and issuing in a system of collectivism so complete as to include all the human activities that are really valuable.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

WhereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Whereas all other political parties are groping in the dark, relying upon partial and outworn formulae, in which even they themselves have ceased to believe, we alone advance in the broad daylight, along a road whose course we clearly trace backward and forward, towards a goal distinctly seen on the horizon.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Unlike all the revolutionists of the past, we derive our inspiration not from our own intuitions or ideals, but from the ascertained course of the world.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading But what I should find it hard to convey, except to an audience prepared by years of study, is the enthusiasm or rather the grounds for the enthusiasm, that animates us.

Chapter 2 of A Modern Symposium by G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes) Dickinson holds 430 sentences, grouped into 86 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 2 of A Modern Symposium contain?

Chapter 2 holds 430 sentences of A Modern Symposium, unabridged, divided into 86 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of A Modern Symposium by G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes) Dickinson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 430 sentences, grouped into 86 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 2 of A Modern Symposium?

Work through the 86 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 86 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Modern Symposium

Common questions about reading A Modern Symposium by G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes) Dickinson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A Modern Symposium?

Yes. All 1693 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #30432 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A Modern Symposium is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #30432, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A Modern Symposium take to read?

About 141 minutes of reading across 339 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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How to work through A Modern Symposium section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in A Modern Symposium

Words and structures a reader meets early in A Modern Symposium, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Geoffry
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Modern Symposium; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Vivian
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Modern Symposium; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Letters
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Modern Symposium; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Modern
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A Modern Symposium; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.