Numb Litte Bug -Song Whittington

     I do not have much that comes to mind for discussion of the first lecture in C. S. Lewis's Abolition of Man. Reading it seems to be all the discussion needed, as the point is laid before the reader quite plainly. Lewis takes this time to address a book that was made with the purpose of literary teaching but instead will have results of philosophical aspects. With the target audience of this book - which Lewis calls The Green Book for anonymousness - being schoolboys, Lewis notes that the authors' meaning of their writing is lost to these boys. The lecture itself is titled "Men without Chests," as Lewis explains that The Green Book will encourage the schoolboys to, for lack of better words, keep their emotions in check. The literary aspect and intention of The Green Book is lost and, Lewis states will only succeed in raising "men without chests." 

    It is mildly interesting, to me, how Lewis takes time to address what some might address as a trivial issue. It is a schoolbook for schoolboys, after all. Even if Lewis's argument is true, why should it matter? In terms of today's societal norms, I feel almost certain that he would be brushed off as an emotional liberal or the like (I really don't pay attention to politics. Does it show here?) Societally speaking, men having emotions is more or less frowned upon. So if The Green Book or an equivalent in today's society were to be taught, I doubt anyone would bat an eye. As far as I am aware, this norm has persisted for a while now. So, and perhaps it is merely my lack of sleep, I find Lewis's concern touching, per se. This concern of his is legitimate, while it might seem trivial to everyone else. In an odd way, I appreciate that he takes time to discuss this matter and the danger of raising "men without chests." 

-Michael

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