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rwood
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since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee

0 posted 2010-09-03 08:15 AM



Lately, with the political atmosphere being too razor-edged for my comfort, I've been drawn to the more gentler or Grandfatherly voice of C.S. Lewis. Especially upon the topics of government, morals, ethics, law, religion, etc.

Lewis wasn't devoid of an edge: I imagine every wise grandfather has a beloved slant. But I thought how old-fashioned of me to seek comfort in someone I'd read so long ago, even before I could comprehend some of the "big words," only to find a new (and improved) affinity for his works. I think more like him than I knew, and I've decided that's not so old-fashioned as it is more timeless, perhaps.

quote:
a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. They may be more likely to go to Heaven yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be "cured" against one's will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level of those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals ("The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment," in God in the Dock, p. 292).


Instead of feeling screamed at with the current passions of contemporaries, his works do stir in me a more noble & quietly freeing drum of reason.

Are yall feeling me? Am I the only one that's falling back in time for something more palpable & cultivating to the future?

I was reintroduced to this paragraph by a contemporary writer, David J. Theroux.

C. S. Lewis on Mere Liberty and the Evils of Statism, Part 1

© Copyright 2010 Regina Wood - All Rights Reserved
Juju
Member Elite
since 2003-12-29
Posts 3429
In your dreams
1 posted 2010-09-03 12:14 PM


Yeah, I have been reading up some essays on history that has been written about 100 years ago. It amazes me that in a matter of a hundred years, history in the US looks at events much differently.

I have been fascinated by Latin American history lately. People that are considered heros in my sub culture of 20 somethings, were in fact vicious fascists.

Chez, Castro, and so many more are responsible for the deaths of millions of people.

Returning to the quotation, I think it is absolutely right.

History is fascinating. Perhaps I will read more Lewis (:

-Juju

-"So you found a girl
Who thinks really deep thoughts
What's so amazing about really deep thoughts " Silent all these Years, Tori Amos

Cpat Hair
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Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

2 posted 2010-09-03 12:23 PM


no ma'am, I wouldn't say you are alone. I find myself rejecting the oratory and sound byte evaluation of issues. It seems the louder the screams, the more the protest, the more I doubt...  

a quiet reasoning of issues, is a give and take. One has to listen and to think through
what is being said...

In the quote above, Lewis warns against ( from my reading anyway) people who would tell us how to act, and what our morals would be. Yet to some degree, I think there are certain things we want to hold as the right way to act...
So perhaps it is the extremes he intends to warn against here.... yet what is extreme to one, may not be to another and we are back to a relative view that depends on who we are, our beliefs, even our culture. With America and so many countries now being made up of many sub cultures, we are bound to find conflicting views.

we can't... all just do our own thing, so somewhere there has to be a give and take. The less someone is willing to listen and reason... it would seem to me, the more they simply want to posture or impose.


latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
3 posted 2010-09-03 03:22 PM


Thank you for opening yet another pair of eyes. I have read a few books by and about Lewis, but mostly his religious works.
Never thought or knew how extensively he wrote about politics and other ideas and thoughts.

I have also been going back in history, way back to the 1800's and early 1900's.

Have seen history repeating it self, still as badly  I wonder if we will ever learn. latearrival

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
4 posted 2010-09-04 12:12 PM


Juju~  Yes, I agree, history is fascinating. There are so many small but wonderful voices in history that go unheard for all those that rattle the rafters of nations through power-moves or violent and inhumane acts against fellow man. Sometimes, I love to curl up to the powerfully quiet ones in books, if just to take a break from the all too insidious natures of the static makers. Lewis is a fine read, for me, for a much needed break away.

Ron~ So wise. And I think that listening for what’s not being said is important, too, in matters of depth and understanding. On conflict, maybe if more people were more dedicated to resolution than winning something over on another, confidence could at least be restored that our differences need not out-shout the beauty of being different.

LA~  My pleasure and thank you. 18-1900’s---It’s so cool to imagine the imaginings of that period in time. Expression was still filled with the sort of grace that people find weak in writing and speech in today’s age. Admittedly, actions don’t always fit what’s projected. But in the past, when people were only as good as their word, that matter had real value to most all walks of life. That’s one thing I doubt we can bring back to the future.

~ Thanks for your responses~ Hope yall are enjoying this gorgeous weekend!!

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

5 posted 2010-09-04 07:03 PM


Lewis is one of those authors whom I've often wished I could sit down and have a long journey of a chat...He's fascinating.
rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
6 posted 2010-09-05 07:10 AM


Karen~ Let's make it a double. Lewis and his friend J. R. R. Tolkien. Never ending chats and fascination.  
Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
7 posted 2010-09-09 10:12 PM


Can I join the chat when you all sit with JRR and Jack?  The Inklings reborn?    

Lewis is my favorite author ... though saying "favorite author" is more than a little difficult to say.  Of course you guys knew that since I seldom even post a thread without quoting him, lol.  

Just read a biography about him by Alan Jacobs called "The Narnian".  Highly recommended.

Stephen  

rwood
Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793
Tennessee
8 posted 2010-09-10 07:56 AM


Hey Stephen I'm always happy when you come round to join the convo. Your post reminded me of a special time.

When I was 13, I started a writing club at school called "The Inklings." The members wouldn't listen to my ramblings about a 1930's discussion group. That was too boring for 13-somethings. But we did start a chain story about a country girl named "Linda Lou," complete with illustrations. She became animated with each member's storytelling. Her character mostly represented the stereotypical traits of a hillbilly (she had a dog named "Corn Cob.") But it was heartwarming to see so many people involved and even the teachers were excited to see what "Linda Lou" might do next. The sad thing is when school ended that year, the pages became as scattered as we did.

Yeah, Lewis is a dear favorite. Thanks for adding your thoughts and adding to my reading list.


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