Lay Morals, and Other Papers

"Lay Morals and Other Papers" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of reflective essays written during the late 19th century. The work encompasses Stevenson's thoughts on ethics, education, and the complexities of moral conduct, particularly in relation to societal expectations and personal integrity. It serves as a philosophical exploration of human behavior and the moral struggles individuals face as they navigate life. The opening of the collection begins with a preface by Stevenson’s wife, which recounts their experiences on their yacht and touches on themes of compassion towards those suffering from leprosy, highlighting the moral courage of Father Damien, a priest dedicated to caring for the afflicted. This introduction sets the tone for Stevenson's subsequent essays, where he contemplates the nature of education, the limits of written words in conveying truth, and the inherent complexities of morality. Stevenson critiques societal and religious teachings, suggesting they often fall short of addressing the deeper moral questions of life, while advocating for a more personal and introspective approach to ethics and morality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. He is best known for works such as Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Kidnapped and A Child's Garden of Verses.