I recently read The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis (CSL from here on). This book was published in England in 1943. It can be a tough little three-chapter book to understand, but if you have a philosophy background it will be easier.

In my opinion, this is a philosophical argument by C. S. Lewis (CSL from here on) in favor of teaching man how to live a life with good moral behavior. I think this book is an argument for teaching traditional morality, and a prophecy about how humanity could end up if we do not instill the knowledge of moral behavior in each child. Further, CSL specifies that the moral behavior he espouses is based on traditional morality (which he generically calls “Tao”).

Ch. 1 Men Without Chests
In the first chapter he shows us what started his thinking (the little green book), why it started his thinking (the authors’ “simple” statement), and what problem he saw in the authors' "instructions." The “little green book” that is referenced by CSL in the first chapter of this book was published as a school text on how to write. However, CSL identifies it, not as a writing textbook, but as a book of philosophy. He points out that the authors are teaching children that to say that the waterfall is "sublime" is really saying that the speaker is speaking of his emotion, not of the value of the waterfall (cascade). Further, the authors of the “little green book” are conditioning the children to discount any subjective statement that involves a value statement because it IS subjective emotion, therefore has no value. Lewis states that the head (of man) is where knowledge is held, and that the gut is where visceral urges are held. The chest is where we put the instruction for how man is supposed to behave appropriately (morally) on visceral urges. If one takes the chest away, we end up with adults (men) who don't know how to act morally upon their urges.

Ch. 2 The Way
In the second chapter, Lewis explains traditional morality; The Way, which he gives the generic title, "Tao." He shows how major cultures have traditional morals that instruct people what it is to behave rightly or wrongly on emotions. He also explains that anyone who tries to work outside the "Tao" is really like a branch on a tree rebelling against the tree. Any argument they make is still based on bits and pieces of the Tao, but they don't see that.

Ch. 3 The Abolition of Man
In the third chapter, CSL goes on to explain that the long-term effect on students will not be noticed by the students, but will turn the students into adults who will not know how to behave properly (men without chests, chapter 1). Taken to its ultimate, logical extreme, the seemingly innocuous philosophical statement made by the authors of “the little green book” at the beginning of their book will end up in the abolition of man.

My Conclusion: Look at the world around us. I’d say that CSL’s prophecy is our reality. What do you think?

A lot has happened since my last post.

I'm sure you can tell that my website has NOT changed. That's because I learned that the package I thought I was getting was not what I would actually get. My misunderstanding. At this point, I just need to learn how to use the "storefront" software that I'm paying for, and then I'll have some of my books on my site.

Another thing that's missing is the video tour of the shop. I have video, and I have pictures. But I don't presently have the time to learn the editing software. Consequently, I'm looking to a professional to create my video which I will then upload to my site.

Lastly, I have decided that the primary focus of this blog will be reviews of books I've read/am reading. This is the fun part for me!

So, see you in a few days with a new post. And thank you for stopping by.

BookWoman!