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Cover of Keeping Up with William: In which the Honorable Socrates Potter Talks of the Relative Merits of Sense Common and Preferred

Keeping Up with William: In which the Honorable Socrates Potter Talks of the Relative Merits of Sense Common and Preferred

Written by Irving Bacheller

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World War, 1914-1918

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About this book

"Keeping Up with William" by Irving Bacheller is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically during the tumultuous period of World War I. The narrative revolves around the reflections and conversations of Socrates Potter, a country lawyer who discusses societal and moral issues in light of the war. Primarily, the book critiques the concept of "Williamism," a metaphorical representation of the pride and arrogance associated with inherited superiority, particularly in the context of German militarism. In this book, the protagonist Socrates Potter engages in a deep examination of contemporary societal values, contrasting the productive toil of past generations with what he perceives as the idle, self-indulgent behaviors of modern individuals, particularly women. Through a series of anecdotes and philosophical discussions, Potter highlights the dangers of inherited superiority and the importance of common sense and democracy. He illustrates how the quest for superiority can lead to moral decay, comparing various characters and societal behaviors to underline the fundamental truths about human nature, responsibility, and the consequences of neglecting one’s conscience. The narrative serves not only as a critique of contemporary society but also as a call for introspection and action during times of conflict.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Keeping Up with William: In which the Honorable Socrates Potter Talks of the Relative Merits of Sense Common and Preferred, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • philosophical
  • critical
  • moralistic

Keeping Up with William: In which the Honorable Socrates Potter Talks of the Relative Merits of Sense Common and Preferred is an early 20th-century novel by Irving Bacheller, set during World War I. The narrative unfolds through the reflections and conversations of Socrates Potter, a country lawyer, who critiques contemporary societal values and the concept of 'Williamism.' This 'Williamism' metaphorically represents the arrogance of inherited superiority, directly linking to German militarism and broader issues of pride and idleness. Potter contrasts the productive toil of past generations with the self-indulgent behaviors he observes in modern individuals, particularly women. Through anecdotes and philosophical discussions, the book advocates for common sense, democracy, and moral responsibility as antidotes to societal decay and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

“Common sense, my friends, is not so common as it once was, especially when measured against the preferred notions of superiority.”

Key themes

Common Sense vs. Inherited Superiority ('Williamism')
This is the central ideological conflict of the novel. Potter champions common sense – practical wisdom, hard work, and democratic principles – against 'Williamism,' which represents the dangerous arrogance of inherited privilege, militarism, and the belief in one's inherent right to dominate others. The theme explores the societal and global repercussions of valuing unearned status over earned merit and practical wisdom.
Consequences of Pride and Arrogance
The novel vividly illustrates how unchecked pride and arrogance, whether in individuals or nations, inevitably lead to moral decay, social discord, and catastrophic outcomes. World War I serves as the ultimate, tragic example of national arrogance, but Potter also shows its corrosive effects on individual lives and communities.
Societal Decay and Critique of Modernity
Potter expresses profound concern over what he perceives as a decline in societal values, contrasting the industriousness, moral fortitude, and simplicity of past generations with the idleness, self-indulgence, and superficiality he observes in contemporary society. His critique extends to changing social roles, particularly those of women, which he sees as contributing to this broader decline.

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How does Socrates Potter define 'Williamism,' and how relevant is this concept to modern political and social dynamics?

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