In the poetic cycle The Conscience of the Ages (1901–1921), of which Golgotha was the initial volume, he contrasted antique with Christian civilization, favoring the former.

His Magdalena (1893, translated into English by Leo Wiener, 1916), a satirical novel in verse, concerns the treatment of women.

Both Machar's use of colloquial diction and his skepticism greatly influenced Czech literature and public opinion.

However in mid 1920's the relations between Masaryk and Machar worsened gradually.

As a result Machar lost his position within the army and the friendship with Masaryk has ended.