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Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts
The Abolition of Man, That Hideous Strength, Till We Have Faces. CS Lewis as prophet of dark times
Feb 14, 2025
Join Jason Baxter, a C.S. Lewis scholar and director at Benedictine College, and Nicholas Colloff, an insightful interpreter of Lewis’s works, as they delve into the profound ideas presented in Lewis's three key writings. They explore how modernity's detachment from objective values leads to a hollow existence. The conversation covers the dystopian vision of 'That Hideous Strength,' the transformative journey in 'Till We Have Faces,' and the need for emotional education to restore humanity. Their discussion reveals the timeless relevance of Lewis's critiques in navigating today's complex world.
01:18:52
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Quick takeaways
- C.S. Lewis argues that modern education's neglect of moral and emotional development leads to individuals becoming 'men without chests', endangering humanity's core values.
- In That Hideous Strength, Lewis critiques a dystopian society that prioritizes efficiency over spirituality, warning against the loss of individuality to oppressive regimes.
Deep dives
The Modern Project's Sustainability
C.S. Lewis critically examines whether the modern project is sustainable in his work, The Abolition of Man. He poses the thought experiment of whether humanity can achieve its utopian ambitions without sacrificing essential human qualities or becoming absorbed into a mechanistic system. Lewis argues that contemporary education disregards the cultivation of moral and emotional qualities, leading to an imbalance within individuals. He suggests that our disconnection from objective values jeopardizes not only personal integrity but also the collective welfare, raising concerns about the potential for manipulation by those in power.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode