In his 1979 study of the Oxford Inklings, Humphrey Carpenter concludes that the mind of C.S. Lewis had two aspects, the poet and the Debater, and when the debater was in ascendancy, Carpenter says interestingly enough that Lewis showed the mark of Chesterton. [
The Inklings, Houghton Mifflin, p. 221]
It is interesting how much these two giants have in common. I actually found Chesterton through Lewis, who was and is one of my intellectual and spiritual mentors. I have become a great fan and devotee of GKC and am continually fascinated by the depth of wisdom, humor and common sense that both men share.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, I challenge anyone to find a college or university that offers a seminar or course on the wisdom and legacy of these great men. Having earned degrees in history, literature and law, I can say with all honesty that I was well past my formal schooling before I encountered either as an adult reader.
Peace.
I learned about CS Lewis as a college freshman taking a required Intro to Theology course, where we had to read about 5 of his works.
ReplyDeleteThat was at a Jesuit college where one HAD to take courses in theology, philosophy and the humanities no matter what your major was!
atheling2:
ReplyDeleteBravo! You have proved me wrong and thus there is hope. You were fortunate to have spent your youth at one of the few gardens left in the great waist that was once higher education.
I would be interested to know if your alma mater still offers the same course and same required readings. If the answer is yea, open your checkbook and give them a big gift, for they deserve it.
Peace.