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The Abolition of Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1943

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Book Brief

C. S. Lewis

The Abolition of Man

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1943
Book Details
Pages

125

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1943

Publisher

HarperOne

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis explores the importance of objective moral values in education. Lewis criticizes a school textbook for promoting subjectivism, which he believes undermines students' ability to make moral and aesthetic judgments. He argues for the nurturing of sentiments alongside rationality to form well-rounded individuals, warning against the dehumanizing effects of neglecting moral education and overemphasizing scientific analysis.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Inspirational

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

38,860 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis is widely acclaimed for its profound critique of moral relativism and its defense of objective values. Readers appreciate its clarity and thought-provoking arguments. However, some find its language dense and its philosophical stance overly rigid. Overall, it remains a compelling and influential work in moral philosophy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Abolition of Man?

A reader who appreciates The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis would likely have interests in philosophy, ethics, and the impact of education on character. This individual might also enjoy Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and George Orwell’s 1984 for their exploration of societal values and human nature.

4.3

38,860 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Abolition of Man originated from a series of lectures C. S. Lewis delivered in 1943 at the University of Durham, which were part of the Riddell Memorial Lectures series.

The book is often regarded as a significant 20th-century philosophical work, and even though it critiques the education system of its time, it remains a frequent subject of discussion in contemporary educational and ethical debates.

Aldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, once cited The Abolition of Man in his own works, highlighting its impact and relevance in discussions on morality and the human condition.

The Abolition of Man originated from a series of lectures C. S. Lewis delivered in 1943 at the University of Durham, which were part of the Riddell Memorial Lectures series.

The book is often regarded as a significant 20th-century philosophical work, and even though it critiques the education system of its time, it remains a frequent subject of discussion in contemporary educational and ethical debates.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Aldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, once cited The Abolition of Man in his own works, highlighting its impact and relevance in discussions on morality and the human condition.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

125

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1943

Publisher

HarperOne

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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