Teach Yourself Esperanto

Esperanto is the auxiliary language created by the Polish oculist, Dr L. L. Zamenhof (1859-1917),and first published in 1887. Some people think of Zamenhof as a dreamy Utopian who imaginedthat if a neutral second language were introduced, all wars would cease and the world wouldbecome a Garden of Eden. In fact, his contention was that we must first find some solution to the'language problem'. Not until we have settled this comparatively minor matter can we begin tounderstand each other across the frontiers and then to discuss the grave social and economicproblems which face us. Esperanto is intended as a simple second language for all people, so thateach of us may have it within his or her power to speak to, and to understand, those in othercountries throughout the world. It is in no way opposed to the national languages; on the contrary,it creates in those who learn it an interest in communication, and this very often leads to theirlearning one or more of the national languages.