THE GREATEST CLASSIC YOU'VE NEVER READ!

📚 The Greatest Novel You've Never Read 📚 - Samuel Butler's The Way of All Flesh
Have you heard of Samuel Butler's masterpiece The Way of All Flesh? Despite being a hidden gem in classic literature, this novel remains one of the most profound yet underrated works of the 19th century. Join us as we delve deep into Butler's world, uncovering the themes, characters, and narratives that make this book an essential read for any literature enthusiast.
In this video, we explore:
A summary of The Way of All Flesh
The groundbreaking themes that challenged Victorian society
Why is The Way of All Flesh considered a must-read in classic literature circles? What makes Samuel Butler's writing so compelling and ahead of its time?
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Dive into the extraordinary world of The Way of All Flesh and discover why this novel should be on every book lover's reading list. 📚✨

[@hollytreelodge]

Faith and prayer in and to God changes a person. A peace that anchors despite the circumstances of life.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It certainly does.

[@traceyarnaud8433]

Since I’ve retired from a 30 year career as an English teacher, I have been devouring religious history and beliefs. I’ve been a teetering agnostic for most of my life, but I guess you might call it my search for truth (better late than never?) I vaguely remember reading this as a young woman, but I will definitely reread it. I wasn’t much for reflection and truth in the days when everything was a struggle to get a degree, feed a family, etc. That’s the beauty of this time in life.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

So true. Schools and universities do not necessarily pursue truth. It was the foundation of the institutions originally. For me there is no more important search a human can make. Sadly the majority of debates on youtube etc are full of sophists trying to deliver knock-out blows to another person's argument. Anyone who does that, in my opinion, is not actually looking for truth, they are looking to bolster there position.

[@traceyarnaud8433]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 True. I am grateful for my education introducing me to Shakespeare and the great writers though. My main problem seems to be retention of plots, characters, etc. I did remember the interesting family name in The Way of All Flesh though, so that’s a small comfort!

[@genealotech]

It’s never too late. 🙂

[@nedludd7622]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 There are at least two truths being confused. There is the physical truth such as if you do not drink water you will die. Then there are the, let's say, social truths which are constructed for social values which change over time as community values change.

[@Moriahg]

Whenever I click on one of your videos I have to be prepared to fatten up my tbr.😂 I just want to add that I as a believer am very excited to start this book.

[@LuvLuke954]

Me too!! 😂

[@joanneleeson516]

And me.

[@janeylfoster6197]

Same

[@vanessasperling]

Thank you so much for covering one of my favorite novels of all time! Like you, I struggle to think of any fictional book that I love more. In addition to the personal pursuit of truth, Butler also masterfully details the unique experience of being raised by narcissistic parents and brilliantly points out how the world is designed to reward and nurture narcissism and crush people who are humble, honest, introspective, and empathetic. "The Way of All Flesh" is a brilliant exploration of how psychological trauma is passed from generation to generation.

[@randolphpinkle4482]

It sounds like the right book for these times as well. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@nedludd7622]

As Mark Twain wrote, "Faith is believing what you know ain't so."

[@johnsterman77]

No, actually, it isn’t.

[@deirdre108]

MT is right as usual. Faith is just belief without evidence. In other words delusion.

[@PoiemaLee]

I read this book a couple years back and it left a deep impression. It’s one of those books that require pondering and time to digest. I wish I’d had someone to discuss it with, but you’re right! No one I know has read it!

[@StephaniePatterson-jb5it]

Goodness! I’ve read this book twice. Yep! I’m old.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I'm sure you're not. You just use your time wisely 😀

[@StephaniePatterson-jb5it]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 You,sir,are a true gentleman.

[@marthacanady9441]

“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

@@marthacanady9441 lovely quote.😀

[@Logoslover]

Thank you for adding one more book to my already impossible to conquer TBR! I’ve never heard of this book and it sounds very interesting. 😊

[@maslina4567]

Splendid! I found a copy of this at a used book sale but have yet to sink my teeth into it. Looking forward to it now more than ever!

[@pattube]

All I know about Samuel Butler is that his (prose) translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are often considered the "worst" of all the English translations, yet there are still people who benefit from his translations. My own favorite prose translations are the ones by Rieu (and revised by Rieu's son, also a scholar in his own right). The Rieu translations are what largely contributed to making Penguin Classics world famous (followed closely by Dorothy Sayers's translations of Dante's Divine Comedy).

[@DefaultName-nt7tk]

It sounds intriguing and you made it sounds even more interesting 😊

[@kurtfox4944]

There was Victorian humor buried in the words here. It begins with the burn, “some boys are born stupid, and thou art one of them. Some achieve stupidity - that’s thee again. Thou wast both born stupid and hast greatly increased thy birthright”- ch I / 1 . There are so many things that can be discussed in this book. Some are timeless, and others are products of its era. Most are still interesting, if framed in modern equivalents. I thought the book was about BELIEF (about faith, not truth). We believe in something that we think is true, but really cannot prove or disprove, so it is FAITH and BELIEF (not truth) that matters. And that the same whether it is faith in God, or faith in Science. "Your question shows me that you have never read your Bible. A more unreliable book was never put on paper." ( ch LII / 52)

[@chrisamiejohnson3362]

I am not quite ready to read that book, but the basis is essential to self understanding!!! Searching for truth is the great mission !

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

There is nothing more important! As for the book, it's not an in depth argument of the points of the religious/irreligious discussion. In fact I disagree with many of Ernest/butler's ideas. The power is in Ernests genuine pursuit for truth. He is overall objected to by all sides, but that's not the actual story. What are you reading currently.

[@alidabaxter5849]

I really must read this book, which I've heard about but not read, and you explain the conceits so clearly that I'm very grateful to you for the recommendation.

[@gabrielacanova4625]

I read that at uni.... I believe a reread is in order and I'm so happy to have your take on it.

[@LuvLuke954]

Pen and paper ready!! So excited Tristan! Thank you!!!

[@JFlower7]

I must be old. Not only have I heard of the book and author, but I have read it.

[@susprime7018]

Read it long ago, probably because of the title, a phrase I had heard often.😊

[@margaretinsydney3856]

I read TWOAF many years ago for a course and loved it, much to my surprise. It's quite gently funny in some places, and it's just a great read. One little vignette that I remember is how the village church gradually changed from low to high church without anyone really noticing. I think it's time for a reread.😊

[@bbeth7092]

I read this in April and was quite moved by the parent/child relationships throughout the Pontifex generations. My heart especially broke when Ernest lamented that he was never allowed to feel towards his father what he was trying to feel. A line I copied down reads as follows, “It often happens that if the son is right, the father is wrong, and the father is not going to have this if he can help it.” Such a heartbreaking chasm between a parent and their child, and one that is most likely not too uncommon. Thank you, Tristan for highlighting this work.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

The critique of parenting standards is exceptional. It is also emblematic of how we as a society develop so many habits by consensus of society.

[@janebaily3758]

I read it as part of your patreon group. I must confess I had never heard of it and would never have chosen it myself. However I picked it up because of you. At first i did not like it and almost gave up but I stuck with it and discovered it was really worthwhile!! THANK YOU TRISTAN!!!

[@LaurieInTexas]

I haven't read this but after hearing someone's very thoughtful review last year, I picked up a copy. I need to get to it soon as I think examining one's religious beliefs is important. I spent years doing so and I ultimately determined my beliefs were not based in fact. I am even more eager to read this now.

[@erint6540]

This sounds like an excellent book! Thanks for the recommendation, can't wait to read it!

[@shisharma]

I was eagerly waiting for your video ❤, added this book to my tbr.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@kimmyk3640]

I love this topic!! You have gotten me thinking Tristan! What is truth? What do I believe to be true? These are fascinating questions, and considering what's happening in U.S. politics right now, they couldn't be more relevant.

[@gastondeveaux3783]

I am putting this book on my TBR immediately. Thank you ! ❤

[@eveb446]

Hello Tristan: I have never heard about this book, "The Way of All Flesh," by Samuel Butler. I will have to check if my library has a copy, and read it. I am not a speed/fast reader, because I do stop and question what I am reading etc., etc. I also make lots of notes as I read, and look up the definition of words I have not come across in the past, etc., etc.

[@susanfisher4344]

This book is on my shelf but I have never read it. Your review has got me interested. As a contrarian by temperament, I have always looked askance at consensus opinion. In particular, the expression “my truth “ has always seemed absurd to me.

[@rjrastapopoulos1595]

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely give it a try.

[@stanfordmiddleweight]

"Beauty is truth, and truth beauty . . . " Will definitely read this next, Tristan. Thank you.

[@marklawley3315]

Thank you for this video. It is liberating to live in search of truth, no belief can be your master, you can shed any belief in the presence of better evidence or logic. You can establish a high threshold for belief and thereby free yourself from a lot of useless baggage.

[@Singh212k]

You've a very contagious smile sir. Well, thanks for the recommendation

[@paulhammond6978]

I have read it. It's good. I feel like "Erewhon" is maybe more famous? It's interesting how books that are really famous in one generation fall out of favour in later years.

[@writtenwordsschoolofenglish]

Ooh this sounds interesting! You're right that I haven't read it (yet), but I do have a copy. Maybe this is the nudge I needed to get around to reading it.

[@Syl839]

Yes, it has captured my interest such that I have reserved it at my library.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

This type of critical thinking is just what I need. I have in recent years been discovering more and more stories that I have told myself so often that I was convinced they were true. Specifically about my own and others motivations for their words or actions.

[@cjcidaho]

Oh, I love that book! I read it last year. Found it at a library sale for a buck. One I would read again.

[@barbaravoss7014]

Very true! Thank you!

[@rutasiugzdinyte2296]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Glad it was helpful!

[@testcardII]

Sounds really interesting!

[@aadamtx]

That takes me back. I read TWOAF almost fifty years ago, and it's definitely a book that no one seems to talk about or read these days.

[@TheLeniverse]

I have actually read that one. It's on the Boxall list of 1001 Books to Read Before You Die. So it hasn't been completely forgotten. But it had gotten jumbled in my mind with Brecht's Three Penny Novel which I read around the same time, (very different plot, I know) so I enjoyed this refresher.

[@theelegantcouplesbookrevie8734]

I read it in my early twenties so I'm due for a refresher. But I can't emphasize enough how often I come across diaries and reminiscences of 19th century figures who were deeply influenced by The Way of All Flesh.

[@monikamarsollek3493]

Hi, Tristan, thank you for sharing! I admit, I’ve heard the name of the author, but nothing about this book… sounds truly interesting and I’ll check, whether it’s available or maybe even translated into German… Wish you a nice reading summer, with a lot of opportunities to read outside, if you like that as much as I do, love, Monika❣

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Reading outside is one of life's greatest joys. 😊

[@monikamarsollek3493]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I agree, I even bought a new comfort chair, 'folding buddy', I want to carry it round the house, always near the nicest flowers, and depending on shadow and sun. And I found your recommended book in German, second hand! It will be here in some days and I hope to enjoy it!

[@karenlowes7802]

Im definitely going to read this! Thanks for what you do 😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I really hope that you enjoy it.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I hope that you enjoy it 😀

[@kristinmarra7005]

Okay, I’m sold.

[@ba-gg6jo]

Never heard of the book. After this, may well have to seek this out.

[@rogerevans9666]

Without having read the novel, it seems Butler has written about how Socrates berated his fellow Athenians for their lack of critical thinking. Pilate's question to Jesus: "What is truth?" Actors usually say those words in a tone of contempt. Then you have the "Doubting Thomas". Then, you have Kierkegaard's comment that so many people claim to be Christians but not really are. Emerson said that "... for every Stoic was a Stoic, but in all Christendom, where is the Christian?" Only two classes made me more intelligent---logic and statistics. The media narratives about Mother Teresa and the "Matthew Shepard case" turned out not to be true, but people believe the media narrative. Christopher Hitchens exposed the truth about Mother Teresa. The Book of Matt" has revealed the Matthew Shepard Case was simply a drug deal gone bad. Karl Popper has said you can disprove a theory but not really prove one.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Very true. As to Kierkegaard's comment, I have found this to be ond of the big reasons for people's unbelief; the conduct of religious people put many off. Yet most I have spoken to have little knowledge of what the teachings actually are.

[@4034miguel]

You won me. I will get the book. Very interesting.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I really hope that you enjoy it.

[@genealotech]

I’m definitely going to read this. I’ve recommended to anyone who cares the book Transitions by William Bridges. Non fiction with strong references to the Odyssey to explain the author’s points. Excellent book.

[@philnasmith9755]

Another thought is that nothing compels you to hate anybody that thinks differently from you or necessarily love those that agree with you.

[@tahlia__nerds_out]

this sounds like the kind of book that is best imbibed by annotating while reading, so that the reader is essentially having a conversation with the author.

[@rebeccaharris4823]

This book is on my shelf, but I haven't read it. I'm going to pick it up today. Have you read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis?

[@bbeth7092]

Mere Christianity is great. The chapter on forgiveness was life changing for me.

[@momdad5368]

Yes,I have read it. I inherited it from my parents. I've actually read it twice.

[@ironballistics]

I find that people can confuse truth or faith with comfort. Comfort in being able to tell themselves that there is a grand plan or that nothing matters and everything is meaningless. Simply because it is so. There is comfort in that sort of mental surrender. Yet, for some, such an idea is tantamount as shutting ones eyes and calling it shade.

[@77andsunny]

Available on Hoopla, 17 hour audiobook. I’ll give it a try.

[@janeylfoster6197]

Is there an objective truth, or truths or only MY truth? How does truth differ from belief? How will I KNOW when I’ve found truth? Think I need to read this one Tristan.

[@HistorybytheBook]

As a part of the Patreon group, I can confirm Tristan's comment about people not considering this book before. I was one of those people. I had a copy collecting dust on my shelf which I had looked at a few times only to put it back and move on to a different book. I'm so glad Tristan picked this book or I may have never read it. It is a wonderful book. I was surprised to discover it was quite funny in many places. Not much happens, but Butler is so brilliant at what he does, that you will be taken into the story and find it hard to put down.

[@severianthefool7233]

Another wonderful video! I highly recommend checking out “The Varieties of Religious Experience” by William James.

[@gardenplots283]

I was reading about the publishing of the book and it said when it was published posthumously in the early 1900s it was heavily edited and was not published in its original form until the 1960s. Is the later published version the one you are referring to?

[@kittywynne6739]

Maybe I am one of the few who can hold both what is truth/what is fact and can be proven as well as what I believe based on faith/with no empirical evidence. I don't see it to be a conflict in my life and in my values

[@doctorjenny]

Age old question! Even Pilate talking to Jesus argued’What is truth’!

[@Lightwriter1]

Fascinating. I want to read it. Found it on the Project Gutenberg Pages! In the end I think the debate will be about the validity of the arguments. Thank you for this video. Greetings from the Netherlands...

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hope you enjoy it 😀 The arguments are not extensive and are not the main focus. The point is that Ernest shows us that we should dig deep into the things we take for granted. That we should all make a search for truth without looking to verify what we want to be truth.

[@Lightwriter1]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 ❤

[@harringtonday5319]

Great 🙏❤️

[@johnjabez6300]

'I should do another video on it "I'm waiting Tristran

[@lieslnew8247]

OMG Tristan. My list of books to read based on your recommendations is getting longer and longer. 😂😂

[@Jolene166]

This sounds really interesting! Thanks for the recommendation and pointers! Also, the "good person" non christian vs the religous hypocrite reminds me of Dickens a little bit. Edit: Interestingly enough, Jesus claimed to be the truth. Just a thought 🤔

[@GenWivern2]

It's on the bedside table, awaiting a re-read. But not before Nancy Mitford, who is at the head of the queue.

[@janebaily3758]

Which Nancy Mitford? Thanks!

[@GenWivern2]

@@janebaily3758 The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate. A paperback with both appeared in the charity shop, so that's my frivolous summer treat taken care of. 🙂

[@miguelangelous]

Who would have thought…

[@Dawnsbookreviews]

Being a truth-seeker sounds right up my alley! Thank you for this video!!🎉

[@paulsomerville4005]

I agree with you that The Way of All Flesh is a wonderful book. I love the charming wit and wisdom of its narrative voice and that the narrative voice is clearly a gay man.

[@sheryljohnson9540]

Thank you for this video... I can hardly wait to get my hands on a copy of this book and start reading! The search for Truth seems to be sorely lacking in today's world, and I expect this to be a refreshing and thought-provoking read.

[@frankjspencejr]

Faith has more than one meaning. The fact that it can be used to mean a reasonable expectation based on evidence doesn’t mean religious faith is based on good evidence. If you have good evidence for a belief, you can say you have faith in the belief, which just means evidence based trust. But if asked to justify the belief you only invoke “faith” if you have no good evidence. Faith itself is NEVER a reason to believe something.

[@johnsavard7583]

Being trained in the physical sciences, this doesnt sound like a challenging notion...

[@acratone8300]

I don't have enough faith to believe that the Universe created itself. Something must have always been here because you can't make something out of absolutely nothing. I choose to call that prime cause by the word "God" Having thus become convinced absolutely that God must exist I look to see what people think about God. And like the ancient Jews I do not believe we can know much about him, nor picture what he is, nor what he "looks" like. This is in contrast to all the religions around the Jews in Canaan who did think they knew what God looked like and a hundred other things about him. To the Jews, God to seemed to say to them when they asked about him: "I am what I am, that's who I am." In other words he answered: "you are not able to understand". And like Pharaoh Akhenaten who also believed in one primal cause, they believed that salvation comes by living righteously, not by buying the priest's or the witch's charms and magic. In other words, salvation is not for sale. Meanwhile all the other nations in Canaan did believe in salvation by shortcuts: magic and potions, anything that was easier than righteous living. The God they imagined was thus trivial and worthless to society.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for sharing. I like that you provide a definite line of reasoning to your conclusions, and I'm sure they are far more extensive than the comment section permits. This is the point Butler quietly explores through Ernest in the book: that we should all seek deeply, rather than merely parroting soundbites. Most reading this book will hone in on the things that they agree with - whether that is belief or unbelief - and conclude that Butler agrees with them, thus solidifying their position superficially. That is a subtle point he is making. Rather, we should all make a ernest search for what is true, not what is expedient or preferred. It is the principle Butler is interested in, not necessarily the particular topic. This idea should be applied everywhere a person considers important. Climate change; race relations; government; religion; morality etc etc. According to Butler, the majority will hold their position, not based upon a thorough individual search but on the clever sounding comments they casually pick up and repeat. This is one of the reasons I do not share my thoughts on lots of topics directly pertaining to the books I discuss. I want my viewers to dig to their own conclusions without my opinions colouring a book first. It was great to read your polite and well thought out comment. I especially appreciate these comments. 😀❤️

[@kurtfox4944]

so using your logic, something must have been there to create God. Who created God?

[@hanichay1163]

Truth seeker! Yes.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Good for you! 😀

[@stefaniemapley4386]

I have enjoyed reading all my life and continue to do so in my retirement. When I came across your channel recently, I thought it’s such a shame that students aren’t fed like you feed your viewers. I have read and heard it said that the Bible is the book of books and so it makes me wonder whether you have read it. Unlike what most people do when they start reading the Bible, I suggest you don’t start with Genesis but rather one of the biographies of Jesus. I would recommend Luke who has been acknowledged by secular authorities as being a first class historical work. The book of Acts follows on naturally after that and describes what happened with Jesus’ followers after his death. It’s important to note that in Jesus’ day there was no one who refuted what Jesus said or did for he spoke with authority and it was the truth. The miracles or signs, as he called them, simply pointed to the truth of what he was saying. It’s not a long read and I believe that with these two books under your belt you’ll certainly get a good understanding of TRUTH. I’ve love to hear from you when you’ve done that! Greetings from Hobart 😁😉

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I have read the Bible numerous times. And I agree with the statement that it is the book of books. There are a great deal of inaccurate and false statements made about it by both irreligious and religious people. It is perhaps the best example for highlighting Butlers' point. I have heard and watched so many try to rubbish the Bible with not even the most basic knowledge of what it says. That is damning evidence that these ones are not interested in finding truth but rather in coddling their own views. This includes some of the most popular debaters on the subject who frequently make the preposterous claim that faith is believing in something without evidence. On the other hand, there are many who accept the bible, espousing things about it that are also untrue or not following its tenets. This, too, betrays a genuine search for truth. If one really thought it was true, wouldn't one follow it carefully? The truth seeker will not judge based upon what other people say and do, but will carefully examine these things themselves to see whether they are so. A more noble attitude I cannot imagine. 😀❤️. I'd be happy to discuss it further.

[@stefaniemapley4386]

That is absolutely right, Tristan, and it is such a pity that down through the centuries the truth has been so misrepresented. That is why, if you do have the time to read the gospel of Luke, I would love to know whether your opinion and views about what it means to be a follower of Christ means. Thanks, Tristan. 💛

[@Laocoon283]

Didnt you hear? There is no such thing as Truth. We are living in a post modern world.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

😂😂😂 Yes and look how that's working out!😀 Someone told me there was no such thing as truth quite seriously, once. I asked if they thought that statement was true. 😅👍

[@Yesica1993]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Well played! That nonsense drives me insane.

[@marlonjormungand7845]

There is, just rarely in absolutes.