The Abolition of Man: A Comprehensive Overview

Chapter 1 What's The Abolition of Man

"The Abolition of Man" is a philosophical work by C.S. Lewis, published in 1943, where he critiques modern education and moral relativism. Lewis argues that the objective values and virtues, which he terms the "Tao," are being undermined by contemporary thought that promotes subjectivism and skepticism. He warns that dismissing these universal moral laws leads to the dehumanization and manipulation of individuals, ultimately resulting in the "abolition" of our humanity. Through his incisive prose, Lewis emphasizes the necessity of cultivating moral character and upholding enduring truths in a society increasingly swayed by transient opinions.

Chapter 2 The Background of The Abolition of Man

Published in 1943, "The Abolition of Man" by C.S. Lewis emerged during a tumultuous time marked by World War II, a period when moral relativism was increasingly scrutinized amid the rise of totalitarian ideologies. Lewis, writing from the perspective of a Christian apologist and philosopher, sought to defend objective values against a backdrop of growing skepticism about morality and humanity's purpose. His original intention was to critique the educational practices that devalue emotional and moral education, which he believed contribute to a society that risks losing its humanity. Lewis argues passionately for the importance of recognizing an intrinsic moral order or "Tao" that transcends cultural differences, advocating for a return to objective moral truths as essential for the preservation of humanity itself.

Chapter 3 Quotes of The Abolition of Man

The Abolition of Man quotes as follows:

Here are ten impactful quotes from "The Abolition of Man" by C.S. Lewis:

"The practical result of education in the spirit of the age will be that the one road to a man's own happiness and the happiness of society will be the one that is drawn out of his own feelings and desires."

"You cannot go on explaining away forever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away."

"What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are."

"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts."

"Theories may fade away, but the value of the object itself remains."

"Men without chests is a phrase that continues to express the sentiment of our age, when we deny the value of the traditional virtues."

"If all values are subjective, then nothing has any real meaning at all."

"The moment you take a step toward any of the traditional virtues, society will reject you, claiming that your aspirations are inauthentic."

"We make men without chests, and we expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."

"It is the process of being educated, to believe that we are perfectible. Yet, without the proper values, how can we achieve perfection?"

These quotes reflect Lewis's critique of modern education and the moral implications of relativism.

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