Byron's Babbles

This past Saturday, I began a study of G. K. Chesterton. I am beginning my study by rereading Chesterton’s Orthodoxy. As an English writer, philosopher, and critic, G. K. Chesterton was known for his wit, literary style, and insightful commentary on religion, culture, and society. He is best remembered for his works such as Father Brown detective stories and Orthodoxy, where he explores Christian faith and the mysteries of life with humor and depth. Chesterton is also a featured author of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College. While G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis never met, Chesterton had a huge influence on Lewis. In fact, in Surprised by Joy Lewis recalled the impact of reading The Everlasting Man by Chesterton. Lewis said of Chesterton’s essays that they “made such an immediate conquest of” him.

In Orthodoxy, Chesterton wrote, “We need so to view the world as to combine an idea of wonder and an idea of welcome. We need to be happy in this wonderland without once being merely comfortable.” With this statement he was emphasizing the importance of approaching the world with a sense of awe and appreciation, while also remaining open and receptive—what he called “welcome.” He suggested that true engagement with life isn’t about seeking comfort or complacency but about maintaining a kind of joyful wonderment. I believe this is an important leadership lesson in all we do.

Chesterton was advocating for a perspective that balances admiration and curiosity (“wonder”) with warmth and hospitality (“welcome”). This approach allows us to be genuinely happy and engaged in the mysteries and complexities of life without becoming passive or overly secure in comfort. It encourages embracing the richness of existence, appreciating its marvels, and remaining open to new experiences and truths rather than retreating into familiarity or complacency.

A great example of all this is Chesterton’s exploration of the paradoxes inherent in faith. Chesterton described how embracing paradoxes—such as Christ being both divine and human—helps us to appreciate the richness and depth of reality. Rather than simplifying complex truths into neat formulas, he encouraged us to live with ambiguity and mystery, which keeps life vibrant and meaningful. This is what I call being comfortable with being uncomfortable. I still remember as a child trying to get my head wrapped around the Holy Trinity.

The view provided by Chesterton that an open-hearted acceptance of life’s complexities enriches our experience and keeps us engaged with the world, aligns well with the idea of embracing life’s marvels without becoming passive or overly secure in comfort.