Status Updates From The Abolition of Man

“Nor must we postpone obedience to a precept until its credentials have been examined. Only those who are practicing the Tao will understand it.”

This section expands upon Lewis’ segment about morality in “Mere Christianity”. In the second part of this book, Lewis examines the idea that value judgements are derived from instinct. He argues against the idea, stating the fact that one can choose between conflicting instincts means that value judgement is imposed upon instinct, not derived from it.

The book makes a good point that “intellectuals” are quick to debunk and disdain universal values, except the ones they find convenient or comfortable. A man’s “chest” is where he orders his sentiments towards an objective standard. It reminded me of the definition of virtue, which is a habit ordered towards objective good. A man without a chest is a slave to his appetites or his intellect.