A collection of essays and short pieces applying sharp, observant criticism to topics such as authorship and style, noise, education, reading and books, the emptiness of existence, women, independent thinking, religion, psychological observation, the metaphysics of love, physiognomy, and suicide. Mixing literary criticism, cultural commentary, and metaphysical reflection, the essays combine aphoristic wit with rigorous observation; some pieces illuminate aspects of a broader metaphysical outlook while most stand alone as often caustic meditations on human character, social life, and practical ethics.