C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man remains a chillingly relevant critique of modern education and its potential to dismantle objective morality. Central to Lewis's argument is the concept of the Tao, a universal moral law accessible through human intuition and tradition. This exploration delves into key quotes from the book, examining their meaning and enduring significance in our contemporary world. We will unpack Lewis's warnings and consider their implications for our understanding of humanity and its future.
What is the Tao, and Why Does Lewis Think it's Important?
Lewis doesn't define the Tao as a specific religion or creed; instead, he describes it as a body of shared moral intuitions found across diverse cultures and throughout history. He argues that these shared intuitions—a sense of right and wrong, of good and evil—are not mere social constructs but reflect a deeper, objective reality. This is encapsulated in his famous quote: "The Tao is the doctrine of objective value, the belief that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kind of things we are." The importance of the Tao lies in its foundational role for a just and humane society. Without it, Lewis warns, we risk moral nihilism and the destruction of humanity itself.
What are the Dangers of Rejecting the Tao?
Lewis's central concern is that modern education, particularly its emphasis on subjective relativism, actively undermines the Tao. By teaching students to question and dismiss traditional moral values without offering a sound alternative, educators risk cultivating a generation devoid of any objective moral compass. This danger is highlighted in this potent passage: "To be incommunicable by definition is to be nonexistent." He argues that if we reject the Tao, we lose the very framework that allows us to communicate meaningful moral judgments, leading to a society where anything goes.
How does the rejection of the Tao lead to the abolition of man?
Lewis feared that by rejecting objective morality, we essentially dehumanize ourselves. We reduce ourselves to mere "conditioned reflexes" instead of individuals capable of reason, virtue, and moral judgment. The removal of the Tao leads to a state where humans are manipulated by those in power, stripped of their inherent dignity and purpose. This manipulation is not simply through overt force but also through subtle conditioning that shapes desires and values.
What are some examples of the Tao in action?
The Tao isn't a codified set of rules but a set of deeply ingrained moral intuitions. Examples include the near-universal understanding of the wrongness of cruelty to children, the value of honesty, and the importance of keeping promises. These intuitions, although expressed differently across cultures, point to a common underlying moral framework – the Tao. These shared moral understandings form the basis of human cooperation and social cohesion. Lewis's point is that these aren't arbitrary societal inventions but reflections of a deeper reality.
How can we preserve the Tao in modern society?
Lewis doesn't offer a simple solution but emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating our educational systems and fostering a renewed appreciation for traditional moral wisdom. This involves not simply blindly accepting tradition but critically engaging with it, understanding its underlying principles, and adapting it to the challenges of the modern world. He stresses the need for humility in our understanding of ourselves and the universe, a necessary condition for recognizing the authority of the Tao. Ultimately, preserving the Tao requires a collective commitment to preserving our shared humanity and the moral foundations upon which it rests.
Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of The Abolition of Man
Lewis's The Abolition of Man is not a nostalgic plea for a return to the past. Instead, it's a prescient warning about the dangers of rejecting objective morality. The book's enduring relevance lies in its timeless exploration of the human condition and the vital importance of a shared moral framework for a just and flourishing society. By engaging with Lewis's ideas, we can critically examine our own moral assumptions and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the inherent value of humanity. The challenge, as Lewis implies, is to navigate the complexities of the modern world while retaining our connection to the enduring truths of the Tao.
