A collection of recent essays from the American philosopher and Chair of the Santayana Society. The subjects discussed include the philosophy of travel, the politics of religion, friendship, appearance and reality, and the false steps of philosophy.

This collection of essays by the prominent American philosopher George Santayana includes the famous "The Birth of Reason," "The Philosophy of Travel," "Bertrand Russell's Searchlight," "Appearance and Reality," and "On the False Steps of Philosophy." Also included are essays on Hellenism, Goethe's "Faust," the politics of religion, friendship, and Tom Sawyer as a latterday Don Quixote.