Many modern people have developed into cynics: people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing, said University of Oxford professor Michael Ward at a lecture March 24.
The Drummond Lecture Series in Christ Chapel explores the relationship between faith and reason. As a part of the series, Ward spoke on “To See or Not to See: C.S. Lewis & the Objectivity of Value.” He focused on C.S. Lewis’ view of the nature of value – essentially, what is good, true, and beautiful – and how to persuade others to recognize that value.
“The modern cynic is … someone who understands human life as nothing more than a form of trade … someone who’s always on the lookout for various kinds of power play,” Ward said.
Professor of English David Whalen agreed with Ward’s interpretation of the modern cynic.
“In many cases, cynics are disappointed romantics who have gone from one extreme to the other,” Whalen said. “Proper appreciation of value would mean a steady grasp of two truths: value is real, and the world is fallen.”
How does one make a cynic see the reality of value? Ward drew from C.S. Lewis’ classic children’s book, “The Last Battle,” to show how difficult it may be to convince a hardened cynic that objective value exists.
“He depicts a group of radical cynics – a dozen or so permanently suspicious and disgruntled dwarves,” Ward said.
The dwarves, sitting in a tight huddle in the midst of a beautiful sunlit field, receive a visit from Lewis’ literary heroes, Lucy Pevensie and her cousin Eustace Scrubb.
Despite Lucy and Eustace’s assurances, the dwarves are convinced that they are not in an open field, but in a small, dank, dark stable.
Ward quoted, “‘Can’t you see?’ Lucy said. ‘Look up; look around; can’t you see the sky, and the trees?’
“How in the name of all humbug could I see what ain’t there?” the dwarf replied.
While goodness, truth, and beauty are clearly real and apparent to some people, others cannot be convinced that they exist, and insist on seeing a dark, limited world instead of the beautiful and free one that is actually there.
According to Ward, to help people appreciate value requires careful strategy and a heart full of love and compassion.
“Love is the great opener of eyes,” Ward said.
Ward said insisting or demanding one’s view is not effective.
“It will almost certainly not work, and very probably will backfire,” Ward said. “No one likes to be mentally or morally bludgeoned.”
So is it possible to convince someone of the truth in a loving way? Ward said it is.
“One of Lewis’ most notable characteristics … was his magnanimity, his generous acceptance of a variety of differences, sure of his own standards, but tolerant of others,” Ward said, quoting a student of Lewis.’
Lewis’ respect for others’ opinions, while arguing on behalf of his own, helped him win over people who disagreed with him.
“Tolerance reassures the other person that their independence has been respected,” Ward said. “And if they feel respected, they’ll feel more inclined to respect in return – to listen to you – to learn from you.”
Senior Ceanna Hayes, who attended the lecture, said she was interested to hear Ward’s practical application of tolerance since she had usually heard tolerance discussed in theoretical contexts.
“His advice on remaining humble and respectful in contentious debates was an unexpected but welcome aspect of the lecture,” she said.
On the other hand, Whalen expressed doubts that people could really be won over through tolerance. While he thought Ward’s ideas could be useful in some circumstances, they may not work in others.
“Sometimes bad will is not moved by goodwill,” he said. “The obligation to be good-willed even in disagreement, then, ultimately comes from the good inherent in good will, not its mere utility in persuasion.”
Some people may never be won over, and, like Lewis’ dwarves, will sit forever in an open field, convinced that it’s a stable. But Ward said others might be persuaded, and will learn to appreciate the values of goodness, truth, and beauty that Lewis knew and loved.
