A novel set in 19th-century Europe—Austria, Germany, England—reflecting the prevailing climates during a period of historical transformation. It was an era that witnessed revolutions and turmoil stemming from social factors, depicting the conflict between aristocracy and bourgeoisie, religiosity and secularism, and between the transcendent and the downtrodden individual.

“The old young friend claimed he was truly delighted to see Fischel again, and Fischel complained of the terrible turn of the times, of the heavy work, and of the absolute decay of morals, saying that everything had become excessively materialistic and commercial. Ulrich replied, saying: 'But I was just thinking that I could envy you, for the merchant's profession must surely be a true sanatorium for the soul! It is, at least, the only profession with a theoretically clean foundation.' Fischel confirmed, 'It is!' and added dejectedly: 'The merchant serves human progress and is content with a legitimate profit, suffering in this path exactly as much as anyone else!'”

In the final years before the Great War drew its conclusion, the conversation often turned to love and society. The young men in the home of the bank director championed the banner of all-encompassing love and community. True community represents an internal law, and the deepest, simplest, most complete, and first law is the law of love... Of course, one cannot love everyone, but one can respect the personality of every individual as long as they are ambitious to be a true human being.