First published in 1905, A Modern Symposium presents a record of a discussion between men at the Seekers club- a now extinct, but then famous, club for men prominent in politics or in the professions- that used to meet fortnightly to listen to, and discuss papers on varying subjects. The group included politicians, a professor, a journalist and a poet, amongst others. At this particular meeting, the participants start their discussion by discussing reasons for going into politics in the first place, and why the key speakers aligned themselves with particular political parties, which leads on to a full and thought-provoking discussion of civilisation.