C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man isn't a straightforward morality tale; it's a philosophical warning disguised as a critique of educational methodologies. At its core, the book grapples with the nature of good and evil, arguing that a subjective approach to morality ultimately leads to the destruction of humanity itself. Through insightful prose and compelling arguments, Lewis explores the ramifications of discarding objective moral values. This exploration delves into some of the most impactful quotes from the book, examining their significance in understanding Lewis's perspective on the fundamental question of good and evil.
What is the Tao in The Abolition of Man?
Lewis introduces the concept of the "Tao," a term he uses to describe the shared moral intuitions found across diverse cultures and throughout history. He doesn't advocate for any specific religion but points to a common ground of moral principles, a kind of universal natural law. He argues that these principles, evident in proverbs and traditional teachings, represent objective truths about human nature and the good life. The Tao, according to Lewis, isn't a set of rigid rules, but rather a framework of underlying values—a deep structure of morality from which various ethical systems spring.
He suggests that ignoring or rejecting the Tao, as many modern educational theories do, is inherently dangerous. By dismissing this shared moral understanding, we risk losing our compass and falling prey to subjective, arbitrary moral systems. This dismissal, in Lewis’s view, leads to the “abolition of man”—not necessarily the physical annihilation of humanity but rather the destruction of what makes us truly human: our capacity for objective moral reasoning.
Is the Abolition of Man about the death of morality?
While not directly about the literal death of humanity, The Abolition of Man certainly foresees the death of a specific kind of morality—one based on objective truth and shared human values. Lewis's concern lies with the rise of subjectivism and the accompanying erosion of traditional moral frameworks. He suggests that the rejection of objective morality doesn't lead to moral neutrality; instead, it allows for the imposition of arbitrary power structures, where those in control define "good" and "evil" according to their own desires.
This isn't a simple matter of good versus bad intentions; Lewis highlights the inherent dangers of a system where morality is not grounded in any external truth, resulting in a world where anything could be justified as “good” based on the whim of the powerful.
What is the concept of 'the green-eyed monster' in The Abolition of Man?
Lewis does not explicitly use the term "green-eyed monster" in The Abolition of Man, which is a common Shakespearean term for jealousy. However, the underlying concept is implicit in his arguments. The book warns against the dangers of unchecked emotional responses and the subjective imposition of values. The rejection of objective morality, Lewis suggests, leads to a breeding ground for self-serving motivations, where envy, ambition, and power-seeking behaviours are not constrained by a sense of right and wrong.
Therefore, while not directly named, the principles underpinning the “green-eyed monster” – the unchecked desire for power and the subjective valuation of good and evil – are central concerns in Lewis's critique of modern education and its potential to dismantle objective morality.
How does Lewis define good and evil in The Abolition of Man?
Lewis doesn't offer a rigid definition of good and evil but rather points to their grounding in the Tao. Good, for Lewis, is aligned with the inherent human nature reflected in the Tao – a set of objective values promoting human flourishing and a harmonious existence. Evil, on the other hand, involves rejecting these objective values and acting contrary to the inherent order of things. This isn't a simplistic good-versus-evil dichotomy but a complex understanding that recognizes that human actions can either align with or oppose the natural order reflected in the Tao.
This perspective emphasizes that good and evil are not merely subjective preferences but have objective roots stemming from the shared human experience and the inherent structure of reality as reflected in the Tao.
Conclusion
The Abolition of Man remains relevant today, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of discarding objective morality. Lewis’s exploration of the Tao and his critique of subjective approaches to ethics continue to provoke thought and discussion on the foundations of morality and the future of humanity. His insights urge us to examine carefully the moral implications of our actions and the importance of upholding a system of values rooted in a deeper understanding of human nature and objective truth.
