"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C. S. Lewis
About the Author
Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was a British writer, scholar, and Christian apologist, best known for his works on literature, theology, and philosophy. A prolific author and academic, Lewis's writings ranged from the fantastical realms of The Chronicles of Narnia to deeply philosophical explorations in works like Mere Christianity and The Abolition of Man. His unique ability to combine literary insight, classical scholarship, and moral philosophy has left a lasting mark on both literary and intellectual thought.
Historical and Intellectual Context
The Riddell Memorial Lectures (1943):
The Abolition of Man originated as a series of three lectures delivered at the University of Durham in February 1943. The Riddell Memorial Lectures were intended to examine the intersection of religion and modern thought, providing Lewis a platform to address urgent questions about education, morality, and the human condition.
World War II and Moral Urgency:
Written during the turmoil of World War II, Lewis's reflections carry a profound sense of urgency. He feared that the growing trend of moral relativism, which questioned the existence of universal values, could destabilize society and make it vulnerable to totalitarian ideologies—a theme he also explored in his later novel That Hideous Strength (1945).
Response to "The Green Book":
Lewis's work began as a critique of a contemporary English textbook, which he nicknamed The Green Book. The textbook's authors, whom Lewis playfully called "Gaius and Titius," claimed that describing something as "sublime" merely reflected personal feelings rather than any inherent quality. Lewis saw this as an attack on the very idea of objective value and a symptom of a broader cultural shift toward subjectivism.
Philosophical Foundations:
The lectures drew heavily on Lewis's deep engagement with classical literature, philosophy, and his own spiritual journey. Having recently converted to Christianity, he combined rigorous intellectual analysis with moral and theological insights, advocating for the preservation of timeless ethical principles.
Core Ideas
The Tao and Objective Value:
Central to Lewis's argument is the concept of the Tao, or "the Way," which represents a universal moral law recognized across civilizations and eras. By referencing ancient Greek, Roman, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Chinese sources, Lewis argued that some values—such as justice, courage, and honesty—transcend culture and history, forming the basis of objective morality.
"Men Without Chests":
Drawing on Plato's model of the human soul, Lewis warns of the consequences of education that neglects emotional development. He describes individuals deprived of properly trained emotions as "men without chests"—creatures whose intellect and instincts are disconnected, leaving reason unable to guide behavior and morality reduced to instinctual impulses.
Critique of Scientism and the "Conditioners":
Lewis also critiques scientism, the belief that scientific methodology can solve every human problem, including moral questions. He warns that unbridled technological control and manipulation by an elite group—the so-called "Conditioners"—could reduce humans to objects, ultimately undermining freedom, morality, and the very essence of humanity.
