Of the assigned reading, chapter 11 seemed to stick out the most based on its depiction of the various types of human laughter. A few interesting quotes stuck out most to me, starting with one describing the group of acquantinces the patient has met as "steady, consistent scoffers and worldlings who without any spectacular crimes are progressing quietly and comfortably towards Our Father's house". I feel like this quote really has a lot of long-standing implications. This little group of intellects are not bad people. They don't commit any sort of devious crimes or sins that one thinks of when people think about going to Hell. However, their only misgrievance is that they scoff at religion at God, and thus, without even knowing it, they are slowly making their way into Hell. I felt it is a really interesting quote, because I feel like many people, myself included, who aren't extremely religious people are good people who don't commit any sort of devious crimes or sins. However, just because they don't sin, doesn't mean that they aren't making their way slowly and unknowingly towards Hell. I felt like the quote was an interesting and really concise way of summing up a pretty profound thought.
A few more interesting points I found were that Screwtape says that music is the most detestable art, and it is found in Heaven. I found this interesting, because a lot of the time, people hear about the negative influences of music, such as how now-a-days it is so corrupting and a bad influence. But, I feel as if people forget about the beautiful aspects of music, such as how humans can express themselves in any aspect in it.
A last quote that I found quite fascinating is "Cruelty is shameful - unless the cruel man can represent it as a practical joke." This statement is shockingly true. Cruelty, despite the fact that it is obviously cruel, is often accepted by people if portrayed as a fun, humorous, light-hearted event. There's a number of examples of this, such as how torturing hostages and enemies is accepted if the torturers turn it into a light-hearted event, having fun and joking around with all the "funny" stuff they can do with their captives.
Overall, I found a number of interesting little points in the last chapter of the assigned reading, many of which were extremely profound thoughts summarized in a single concise statement. I really enjoy the to-the-point, succinct nature of C.S. Lewis' writing.
2 comments:
The connection you made to controversial music didn't occur to me when I read STL but it's definitely true. It's also interesting that music is often controversial to one generation, and the next generation doesn't regress to a life form such as an amoeba because of it. It seems the value of music can often be overlooked since it seems like there is constantly new music being produced without any effort, even though there are risks and sacrifices that go into making it, just like to many other good things in life.
I agree with how interesting the quotes you choose were. They really make one think. The music aspect, just as Kenion said, was very thought inspiring. Music does sway people, and all the different varieties can lead to good or bad aspects in people. It really does make you think.
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