Samuel Butler was one of the most interesting and unique novelists of the Victorian era. Though perhaps not one of the best known names of his times, he is very much revered by many who have read his works; his admirers include E.M. Forster and George Bernard Shaw, both of whom drew great inspiration from his work. Butler was known for, among other things, his satirical view of religion. He was openly critical of organised religion, arguing in particular that belief in the god of Christianity had simply evolved from a great many previous gods. As well as his criticisms, however, Butler also had many positive things to say and was well known for his philosophical outlook on life. This book brings together some of Butler's most interesting thoughts on a variety of subjects.