Book: Pushing the Peanut with the Nose

Introduction
"Pushing the Peanut with the Nose" is a 1919 satirical book by Austin O'Malley that uses humor to talk about the absurdity of human nature and the smallness of human aspiration. The main metaphor of the story is the titular activity - pushing a peanut with one's nose - which works as a symbol for many of the absurd and irrelevant jobs individuals carry out in the different realms of life.

Styles and Commentary
The book is divided into areas that deal with various topics, such as religious beliefs, education, politics, and relationships. While each subject is dealt with differently, O'Malley consistently uses the image of pressing a peanut with the nose as a sign for our typically petty and misguided pursuits in life.

On Religion
One of the most prominent sections of the book is critique of organized faith, specifically Christianity. O'Malley explains the absurd lengths individuals often go to in order to prove their faith, like fasting for long periods of time or subjecting themselves to extreme physical pain. These actions, he argues, are akin to pressing a peanut with the nose - pointless and indicative of a misdirected understanding of faith.

Moreover, O'Malley spoofs the method which church members often take on one another to appear more pious, arguing that this too is a futile workout in peanut-pushing. Ultimately, the author indicates that the essence of real spirituality lies not in outward screens of piety but in cultivating an internal, personal connection with a greater power.

On Education
The realm of education provides another source of social review in "Pushing the Peanut with the Nose". O'Malley satirizes the various unnecessary routines and customs within schools and universities, such as the wearing of academic regalia or the use of unknown Latin phrases. He argues that these practices only serve to make the organization of education look pretentious and crucial, while in reality lots of educational institutions are fraught with ineffectiveness and do not provide the best chances for learning.

Additionally, O'Malley highlights the competitive nature of academia, where scholars often prioritize their own personal advancement over a real pursuit of understanding. He alerts against putting value on shallow markers of success, such as having numerous publications or winning awards-- these are all simply different ways of pressing peanuts with our noses.

On Politics
Similar to religious beliefs and education, O'Malley also turns his satirical lens upon the world of politics, mocking the petty competitions and unimportant pursuits of politicians. He criticizes the inadequacies of governmental systems, comparing their sluggish development to the laborious task of pushing a peanut with the nose. O'Malley likewise discusses politicians' fondness for making lofty guarantees they can not satisfy and the public's naivety to be constantly swayed by these grand declarations.

Through satire and humor, O'Malley highlights the unfortunate fact that the political world is frequently defined by self-interest, corruption, and small-mindedness rather than real issue for the higher good of society.

On Relationships
Finally, "Pushing the Peanut with the Nose" discuss the subject of romantic relationships. O'Malley satirizes the gamesmanship that often happens within romantic courtships, with each partner trying to outshine the other in screens of love or intrigue. He also points out the folly of hanging on to petty animosities within relationships, emphasizing that such behaviors only serve to drive individuals even more apart.

Ultimately, the author suggests that in our romantic pursuits-- as in other elements of life-- we ought to strive for authentic connection and good understanding instead of getting caught up in the worthless acts of pushing peanuts with our noses.

Conclusion
Throughout "Pushing the Peanut with the Nose", Austin O'Malley highlights the numerous unreasonable and inconsequential pursuits that crop up in different facets of human life. Through humor and satire, he encourages readers to go back and consider what truly matters, and to pursue important and meaningful undertakings rather than getting lost in the relentless pursuit of pushing peanuts with our noses.