Twentieth-Century Pessimism
Edwin Muir
The nineteenth century believed firmly in the reality and inevitability of human progress, and held hopes which were probably exaggerated. In the twentieth century there has been a reaction to a pessimism which is perhaps equally exaggerated. The purpose of this series of talks, of which this is the second, is to discuss what we mean by progress ; whether history does indeed indicate a trend towards a better and more satisfying human life; and, if so, how progress is achieved.
At the end of each talk Dr. H. A.
Mess will briefly link up what has been said with the other talks in the series. This, it is hoped, will make the discussion in the Discussion Groups more valuable.
Last week listeners heard about progress in the nineteenth century, about doubts and disappointments and the shadow of the European War. Today Edwin Muir , the well-known author and book critic of The Listener, will discuss the plunge into the abyss-the Great War and the reaction to it since.