A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
There is something which unites magic and applied science (technology) while separating them from the "wisdom" of earlier ages. For the wise men of old, the cardinal problem of human life was how to conform the soul to objective reality, and the solution was wisdom, self-discipline , and virtue. For the modern, the cardinal problem is how to conform reality to the wishes of man, and the solution is a technique.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts the wisdom of the past with modern technology, highlighting a shift in human priorities.
C. S. Lewis reflects on the fundamental differences between ancient wisdom and modern technological approaches to life's challenges. He suggests that while wise individuals of the past sought to align human desires with objective reality through discipline and virtue, contemporary society has shifted focus towards manipulating reality to meet personal desires through technology, indicating a potential loss of traditional values and wisdom.
Themes
WisdomTechnologyHuman LifeRealityDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy seminar discussing the impact of technology on society.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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