The Price of a Soul

William Jennings Bryan's The Price of a Soul confronts the enduring question of what we value most, framing a powerful moral challenge in the voice of one of America's great orators. First delivered as addresses and expanded into a lecture in the early 20th century, Bryan's essay draws on Christian imagery and rhetorical force to weigh material gain against spiritual integrity. Part philosophical meditation and part persuasive sermon, The Price of a Soul explores themes of conscience, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition. Bryan invokes Christ’s famous paradox—what profit is there in gaining the world but losing one's soul—to press listeners to consider ethical choices in both private life and public affairs. Set against the social and political currents of the Progressive Era, the work reflects Bryan’s skills as a speaker and his commitment to moral argumentation that resonates beyond strictly religious audiences. Ideal for listeners of Philosophy, ethics, religious thought, or American intellectual history, this audiobook offers a concise, stirring prompt to reflect on priorities and purpose. Listen if you seek a brief but potent meditation on value, character, and the stakes of our choices.