In this short pamphlet, Dexter directs much of his ire at those he believed wronged or underestimated him, including clergy, government officials, and other members of society. His unconventional success in business ventures, often dismissed as luck or foolishness, fueled his desire to prove himself to the world. The text is filled with rambling anecdotes, complaints, and what he considered sage advice, all in a highly idiosyncratic and humorous tone.
One of the most remarkable aspects of A Pickle for the Knowing Ones is Dexter's decision in a later edition to include an entire page of punctuation marks, encouraging readers to "pepper and salt" them throughout the text as they saw fit. This addition highlights the satirical and comical nature of the work, reflecting Dexter's unconventional approach to life and writing.