

The Abolition of Man, That Hideous Strength, Till We Have Faces. CS Lewis as prophet of dark times
5 snips 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.
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Modernity's Sustainability
- C.S. Lewis questions the sustainability of the modern project, fearing humanity's obliteration through systemic absorption.
- He contrasts this with traditional human values, emphasizing a balance between intellect, emotion, and spiritual desires.
Men Without Chests
- Lewis critiques the divorce of intellect and emotion, leading to "men without chests."
- This leaves individuals vulnerable to manipulation and control, lacking the "trained emotions" to resist.
Value of the Heart
- The "chest" or heart has both moral and epistemological value, enabling love and pursuit of transcendent beauty.
- It allows us to firmly grasp what we love and fine-tune our sensitivity to transcendent experiences.