It is a myth, not a mandate, a fable not a logic, and symbol rather than a reason by which men are moved.

He was born in New York City to Jewish parents. Edman spent his high-school years at Townsend Harris Hall a New York high school for superior pupils. In addition to writing philosophical works Irwin Edman was a frequent contributor to literary magazines such as The New Yorker the Atlantic Monthly the New York Times Magazine Harper's Commentary and Horizon.