C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man remains a potent and timely critique of modern education and its potential to erode fundamental moral values. Published in 1943, its warnings about the dangers of subjective morality feel increasingly relevant in our contemporary world. This essay explores key quotes from the book, examining their enduring significance and their application to our understanding of natural law. We'll delve into the core arguments and illuminate why Lewis's work continues to resonate with readers today.
Understanding Natural Law in Lewis's Framework
Before diving into specific quotes, it's crucial to understand Lewis's concept of Natural Law. He doesn't refer to a divinely ordained, immutable set of rules, but rather to an objective moral order inherent in the universe, discernible through reason and experience. This order isn't arbitrary; it's rooted in the nature of humanity and the cosmos. Lewis argues that a proper understanding of this objective morality is essential for a flourishing human society. To "abolish man" is, in his view, to dismantle this understanding and pave the way for moral chaos.
Key Quotes and Their Significance
Here are some key quotes from The Abolition of Man and an exploration of their meaning:
"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts." This quote encapsulates Lewis's central concern: the barrenness of modern education, which, in its pursuit of a purely subjective morality, fails to nurture the capacity for objective moral judgment. Instead of cultivating a rich understanding of inherent values, it leaves students intellectually and morally arid.
"Men without chests" This powerful metaphor describes individuals lacking the capacity for moral feeling, guided only by reason divorced from emotion and intuition. The "chest" represents the seat of emotions and moral intuition, essential components of a fully developed human being capable of recognizing and acting upon objective moral principles.
"We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst." This quote directly links the absence of moral feeling ("men without chests") to the breakdown of societal virtue. By prioritizing reason over emotion, Lewis argues, we create a vacuum that leaves individuals vulnerable to moral corruption and societal disintegration.
"To be inerrant is to be uninteresting." This seemingly paradoxical statement highlights the limitations of purely rationalistic approaches to ethics. A system that attempts to be absolutely perfect and free from error often sacrifices vitality and practical applicability. Lewis suggests that a healthy moral framework acknowledges both the inherent complexities of human existence and the need for practical wisdom.
"In order that any one type of society should remain itself it must be able to pass on to its successors certain qualities or characteristics. The Tao is the system of those qualities or characteristics." Here, Lewis introduces "The Tao," a term representing the objective moral order. He argues that every healthy society transmits its values across generations, preserving its identity and perpetuating its essential virtues. The Tao represents these shared, objective values.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA) and Answers
Q: What is the "Tao" in The Abolition of Man?
A: The Tao, in Lewis's framework, is not a specific doctrine or creed but an objective moral order inherent in the universe and accessible through reason and experience. It encompasses the shared moral intuitions and values found across diverse cultures and throughout history. It's the underlying framework of natural law.
Q: How does Lewis connect the "Abolition of Man" to education?
A: Lewis argues that modern education, by prioritizing subjective relativism and reducing the study of objective moral principles, creates "men without chests"—individuals devoid of the emotional capacity for moral judgment. This, in turn, leads to societal decay and the potential "abolition of man" as a moral being.
Q: What are the dangers of subjective morality as described by Lewis?
A: Lewis warns that a purely subjective morality, lacking any objective standard, leads to moral anarchy and the erosion of shared societal values. Without a common moral framework, individuals become vulnerable to manipulation and societal collapse.
Q: What is the role of emotion in Lewis's moral philosophy?
A: Lewis emphasizes the crucial role of emotions and intuitions alongside reason in moral judgment. He argues that reason alone is insufficient; a fully developed moral sense requires both intellectual understanding and emotional engagement with objective moral principles.
Q: Why is The Abolition of Man still relevant today?
A: Lewis's warnings about the dangers of subjective morality and the erosion of objective moral values remain profoundly relevant in our contemporary world. The increasing emphasis on relativism in education and culture mirrors the trends he critiqued, making his insights particularly timely and important.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man provides a timeless and insightful exploration of natural law and the dangers of abandoning objective moral principles. Its enduring relevance lies in its powerful critique of modern education and its enduring message about the importance of cultivating a robust moral compass in individuals and society. By understanding Lewis's arguments, we can begin to rediscover the importance of natural law and its role in fostering a flourishing and just world.
