Mythic Mind

96 - Its All in Plato: An Introduction to C.S. Lewis

Jun 17, 2025
Delve into the intersection of C.S. Lewis's philosophy and fiction. Explore how Plato's ideals influence Lewis's thought, uncovering the debates between being and becoming. Discover Heraclitus’s concept of change versus Parmenides’ belief in stability. Snyder highlights the allegorical journey from the shadows of the cave to the realm of forms, pairing it with medieval cosmology. Each planet embodies unique virtues, revealing deeper insights into human nature. Prepare for a rich interplay of philosophy as it shapes literature!
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ANECDOTE

Personal Journey Into Literature

  • Andrew Snyder describes his late discovery of literature, moving from scarce childhood reading to a deep engagement beginning with Augustine and Kierkegaard in grad school.
  • He credits personal suffering in 2021 and encounters with Tolkien fans for opening him to fiction's power and leading him to C.S. Lewis.
INSIGHT

Lewis's Medieval Mindset

  • C.S. Lewis thought like a medieval man, drawing wisdom distinct from modern perspectives rather than uncritically adopting the past.
  • Old books correct modern blind spots by offering different mistakes and strengths for us to weigh, not mere antiquarianism.
ADVICE

How To Get The Most From The Course

  • Expect each week to include a short spoiler-free intro and a longer deep-dive video; avoid pre-reading spoilers to preserve discovery.
  • Use the Discord to ask questions and steer live sessions toward topics you care about.
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