Gulliver's Travels / Critique of Humanity
And it must be owned, that seven months were a sufficient time to correct every vice and folly to which _Yahoos_ are subject, if their natures had been capable of the least disposition to virtue or wisdom. Yet, so far have you been from answering my expectation in any of your letters; that on the contrary you are loading our carrier every week with libels, and keys, and reflections, and memoirs, and second parts; wherein I see myself accused of reflecting upon great state folk; of degrading human nature (for so they have still the confidence to style it), and of abusing the female sex. I find likewise that the writers of those bundles are not agreed among themselves; for some of them will not allow me to be the author of my own travels; and others make me author of books to which I am wholly a stranger. I find likewise that your printer has been so careless as to confound the times, and mistake the dates, of my several voyages and returns; neither assigning the true year, nor the true month, nor day of the month: and I hear the original manuscript is all destroyed since the publication of my book; neither have I any copy left: however, I have sent you some corrections, which you may insert, if ever there should be a second edition: and yet I cannot stand to them; but shall leave that matter to my judicious and candid readers to adjust it as they please.
Microstory
In a dimly lit study, the weary author reclined in his chair, a cascade of ink-stained papers strewn about like fallen leaves in autumn. Each letter he received was a dagger to his heart, accusing him of crimes against the very essence of humanity, while his own truth slipped through the sieve of careless print. He sighed, the weight of misinterpretation hanging heavily on his shoulders, as he resolved to defend his thoughts with a few careful amendments, hoping the discerning few might still find clarity amidst the cacophony of voices that sought to drown him out. (AI-generated story)
The excerpt reflects Swift's sardonic critique of human nature and societal follies, encapsulating his disillusionment with the reception of his work. It highlights the chaotic nature of public discourse and the irresponsibility of readers and critics who distort his intentions and narratives. This passage serves as a microcosm of the broader Enlightenment struggle between reason and the irrationality of public opinion. Swift's use of the term 'Yahoos' underscores his perception of humanity's base instincts while simultaneously engaging with themes of authorship and authenticity in the literary marketplace. (AI-generated commentary)