Lessons from History: C.S. Lewis's Perspective

In 1939, amidst the looming threat of World War II, C.S. Lewis and his colleagues at Oxford faced a dilemma: should education continue during such turbulent times? Lewis addressed this concern in his address, "Learning in Wartime," emphasizing that the "unique challenges" we face today are not unprecedented.

Chaos Is a Constant:

"As students, you are expected to cultivate yourselves into philosophers, scientists, scholars, critics, or historians. At first glance, this seems odd during a significant war... Is it not akin to fiddling while Rome burns?"

— C.S. Lewis, Learning In Wartime

Lewis argued that the impending war was just another layer of chaos that tends to sharpen our focus on the tumultuous world surrounding us. Even in the calmest times, life is fraught with challenges that may lead us to defer essential pursuits. He noted:

"Plausible reasons for postponing cultural engagement have always existed until some pressing crisis is resolved. Yet, humanity has historically chosen to pursue knowledge and beauty without waiting for the perfect moment that often eludes us."

He likened human behavior to that of insects, who might retreat to their hives and concentrate solely on survival. However, we are not mere creatures of instinct.

Humans engage in profound discussions about mathematics even in besieged cities, explore philosophical questions in dire circumstances, and manage to find humor amidst the most threatening situations. This is not merely bravado; it is part of our human nature.

Lewis also drew parallels between the realms of faith and conflict, where both question the value of spending time on seemingly trivial matters when faced with greater challenges. He reflected that even during the First World War, soldiers at the front lines often avoided discussing the war itself.

In Lewis's words, "Neither faith nor military service can eradicate our human experiences. Both Christians and soldiers remain fundamentally human."

Ignoring life's intrinsic joys will lead to the pursuit of less fulfilling distractions. Lewis identified three primary reasons behind our tendency to postpone actions and offered solutions for overcoming the anxieties that lead to delay.

The Three Main Factors Leading to Delay

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Lewis pinpointed three key factors that cause people to procrastinate: excitement, frustration, and fear.

He illustrated that the war's "excitement" serves as a constant distraction, preventing individuals from focusing on other important aspects of life. Distractions need not be monumental; they can range from celebrity gossip to societal upheavals. While we cannot control external excitement, we can remain mindful of its presence and redirect our focus.

Next is frustration, a sense of inadequacy that leads people to believe they are too late to start anew and that happiness can be postponed indefinitely. Lewis cautioned against tying one's virtue or joy to a future date.

Planning for the future is beneficial, but it should not overshadow the beauty and goodness that life offers in the present. This brings us to fear.

Fear manifests in various forms: the threat of war, the possibility of failure, or the anticipation of pain. Ultimately, we all confront the greatest fear—death. Such moments of fear remind us of our mortality and reveal that life on Earth will never be devoid of struggle. The ideal moment will always remain elusive.

Finally, Lewis proposed one last piece of wisdom for overcoming our innate desire to postpone.

Historical Context as a Guiding Light

Lewis emphasized the importance of having a deep understanding of the past, not as a panacea for life's challenges, but as a means of recognizing that societal assumptions evolve over time. Similar to how perceptions shift, so too will our understanding of the present.

A well-traveled individual is less likely to be misled by the prevailing beliefs of their community. Lewis remarked, "The scholar who has lived through various epochs is somewhat insulated from the overwhelming tide of misinformation that inundates the media of their time."

This historical awareness acts as a counterbalance to the cacophony of contemporary opinions urging us to delay our lives. Lewis's insights resonate with our current reality.

Seizing the Present: Lessons for Today's Generation

It's palpable that society perceives now as an inopportune time for various endeavors. However, this sentiment is not new; it is an extension of a long-standing human instinct. History shows that there has never been a moment in time devoid of challenges.

As C.S. Lewis poignantly reminds us, if humanity waited for the perfect time, we would have missed out on the beauty, culture, and creativity that enrich our lives today.

The feelings of excitement, frustration, and fear that we experience now have been echoed by generations before us—through World Wars and countless struggles throughout history.

With a firm grasp of the past, we can navigate the recurring narrative that insists the present is unsuitable for action. The timeless message from Lewis serves as a valuable reminder in our own era: life moves forward while we wait for a moment that may never arrive.

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