The Grand Illusion; Or, How to Succeed in Society Without Trying (eBook, ePUB)

In the absurdly opulent yet crumbling empire of Grandavia, a young, hopelessly naïve idealist named Percival Piffle stumbles his way through the highest echelons of society, armed only with a misplaced sense of optimism and a handbook titled The Art of Being Important (Without Knowing Anything).After a chance encounter with the pompous Lord Featherington, Percival is thrust into a world where logic is dead, hypocrisy is currency, and the only rule is to appear virtuous while doing precisely the opposite. Along the way, he encounters:Lady Ostentatia, a socialite who hosts charity galas for the "distressed wealthy"Dr. Bombast, a "philosopher" who writes 10-volume treatises on why thinking is overratedThe Honorable Mr. Shill, a politician who changes his principles with the weatherMadame du Pretense, an art critic who declares a blank canvas "a bold statement on the void of modern existence"As Percival ascends the ranksthrough sheer luck, a series of misunderstandings, and the occasional well-timed nod of profound ignorancehe begins to question whether success is merely the art of pretending to know what you‘re doing. Themes & Satirical Targets:The Absurdity of High Society Where reputation is built on self-congratulation and empty gestures.Political Hypocrisy Where leaders debate passionately about nothing while the world burns.Intellectual Charlatanism Where the loudest voice in the room is usually the least informed.The Cult of Self-Help Where success is a performance, not an achievement.