The Tyranny of Shams

"The Tyranny of Shams" by Joseph McCabe is a critical examination of contemporary societal ideas and institutions written in the early 20th century. This work serves as both a critique of military and social traditions and a call for reform, aiming to illuminate the need for a more cohesive and equitable global society. McCabe asserts that the power of a united human race could reshape the world, highlighting his belief in the necessity of discarding outdated beliefs that hinder progress. At the start of the book, the author establishes his intent to challenge established norms by discussing various shams, particularly militarism, that perpetuate suffering and conflict in the world. He emphasizes the need for truth and sincerity, arguing that resolving international disputes through peaceful arbitration could prevent the catastrophic consequences of war. Throughout the opening portions, McCabe also introduces the notion of applying a progressive, scientific approach to societal reform, advocating for a collective effort towards the betterment of humanity as a whole, rather than allowing historical traditions to dictate the course of civilization. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Joseph Martin McCabe was an English writer and speaker on freethought, after having been a Roman Catholic priest earlier in his life. He was "one of the great mouthpieces of freethought in England". Becoming a critic of the Catholic Church, McCabe joined groups such as the Rationalist Association and the National Secular Society. He criticised Christianity from a rationalist perspective, but also was involved in the South Place Ethical Society which grew out of dissenting Protestantism and was a precursor of modern secular humanism.