Byron's Babbles

This morning I continued my reading in God In The Dock by C. S. Lewis. There are so many things Lewis says that I have to think deeply about to get a handle on what he is saying. I love learning that way. This morning’s reading revealed him saying, “In other words, you can step outside one experience only by stepping inside another” (p. 214). On the surface, this comment seems pretty basic, but when reflecting it becomes much deeper. Lewis, in my opinion was emphasizing the importance of gaining new perspectives. He believed that in order to truly understand and appreciate different experiences, we must immerse ourselves in them. We can gain a new perspective or escape from our current experience by immersing ourselves in a different one. By delving into another experience, we can broaden our understanding and potentially overcome the limitations of our own perspective.

According to Lewis, exploring different viewpoints and immersing ourselves in different cultures or ideas, can break us free from our own limited perspectives and gain a broader understanding of the world around us. This can be achieved through reading, learning about different cultures, or even engaging in meaningful conversations with others who hold different views. Lewis encouraged us to be open-minded, curious, and willing to learn from others.

In God In The Dock, C. S. Lewis reminded us that “Socrates had exhorted men to ‘follow the argument wherever it led them’” (p. 126). Actually, Socrates said, “We must follow the argument wherever, like a wind, it may lead us” (Republic 394d). Socrates argued (pun intended) that one should not be afraid of questioning or challenging ideas and beliefs, even if they seem uncomfortable or go against commonly accepted views. By urging us to follow the argument, Socrates was urging us to explore and engage in intellectual discussions without preconceived biases or limitations. There is power in critical thinking and the pursuit of truth through logical reasoning.

Lewis’ statement is so true: “Each group hears not the best, but the worst, that the other group can say” (p. 127). There is a tendency for groups or individuals to only hear and focus on the negative aspects or criticisms coming from others. He wanted us to recognize this bias and strive to approach discussions and disagreements with an open mind, actively seeking out the best arguments and perspectives from all sides. By doing so, we can foster a more constructive and empathetic dialogue, leading to a better understanding of different viewpoints and ultimately a more inclusive and tolerant society.

C.S. Lewis wrote about inner circles in “The Inner Ring.” I would encourage you to read it. In the “The Inner Ring” was the Memorial Lecture he gave at King’s College London, in 1944. In this lecture Lewis explored the desire to belong and be accepted by an exclusive group (inner circle) and how it can affect individuals. Lewis warned, “The circle cannot have from within the charm it had from outside. By the very act of admitting you it has lost its magic. Once the first novelty is worn off the members of this circle will be no more interesting than your old friends. Why should they be? You were not looking for virtue or kindness or loyalty or humor or learning or wit or any of the things that can be really enjoyed. You merely wanted to be “in.” And that is a pleasure that cannot last. As soon as your new associates have been staled to you by
custom, you will be looking for another Ring.” Here, Lewis was suggesting that being part of an exclusive inner circle will lose its allure once we are actually inside it. The charm and allure come from the perception and longing to be a part of that particular group, but once we are on the inside, we may realize that it is not as special as it seemed. In other words, the exclusivity itself may not provide the satisfaction or fulfillment that one might expect.

Lewis used the metaphor of the onion in “The Inner Ring.” He posited that the inner ring is like peeling an onion – once you have succeeded, there is nothing left. I am going to guess you are all like me and have been parts of inner circles. Additionally, I would guess we have all worked in environments with a distinct inner circle we were not a part of. I have worked for two organizations that had/still have distinct inner rings that I was not invited into. Nor, were most of the others really doing the work. It’s toxic to a great collaborative work community. Especially when the top, hierarchically speaking, person is the ring leader (pun intended). This also, as you well know, in our government and law-making circles (again, pun intended).

“Sweet is a legacy, and passing sweet
The unexpected death of some old lady.” ~ Lord Byron

Lord Byron quoted by C. S. Lewis in “The Inner Ring”

While Lewis acknowledges that being part of an inner circle is not inherently bad, there can be negative aspects associated with it. Wanting to get into an inner circle can can lead to being seen as exclusionary. The negative in some situations is that the inner ring can lead to the formation of cliques, or other exclusionary, behavior which can and create feelings of create isolation an and rejection unhealthy sense for those who of are not included. Additionally, seeking validation among the group or self-worth members. solely from Inner rings can also perpetuate an exclusive inequality and favoritism group that is unhealthy and limiting personal growth for those both in and outside the ring. An inner circle can shut out others who may have valuable perspectives and contributions to offer. It’s important to foster inclusivity and recognize that meaningful connections should be formed outside an inner ring.

I close with the recognition that it is in our very nature to desire being in the inner ring. Lewis told us, “…at all periods between infancy and
extreme old age, one of the most dominant elements is the desire to be inside the local Ring and the terror of being left outside.” We just need to remember it is never as satisfying on the inside as it looked from the outside and is terrifying when we realize we are no longer on the inside.

I got back into the U.S. today and had the chance to turn the television on. I watched no television while I was in England. It was time to sneak some screen time! When I turned on the television an old episode of Wonder Woman was on. I just kept watching the 1977 Season 1 Episode 14 because Diana said to Wonder Women (Lynda Carter), “I don’t think he is much of a war hero.” Diana thought one of the stars of a movie being made using actual military heroes was a scared lier. Wonder Woman replied saying, “sometimes that has to do with something called ego.” The war hero starring in the film had only become heroes through circumstances that had occurred allowing him to look like a hero. This really hit home after spending the past weeks intensely studying the work of C. S. Lewis.

Lewis told us this in Mere Christianity of pride: “There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others” (p. 121). Lewis taught us that if we want to acquire humility, we need to realize we are proud. Pride is one of the great vices according to Lewis. I wrote about humility in Becoming Humble. Lewis also told us we could and should feel pride when someone we respect is proud of us. As he said, “Pleasure in being praised is not Pride.” It becomes pride with conceit; when we start believing we are better than everyone else.

Interestingly, the proud person is the one that tells us that he is humble. We certainly don’t need the high and mighty, egotistical leader. We need authentic and humble leaders.

I have had the opportunity for a great deal of “meditation” this week regarding so many aspects of both my personal and professional life while serving as a Scholar in Residence at The Kilns. I use the word “meditation” here and put it in quotes purposely because it is in the title of an essay titled “Meditation in a Toolshed,” by C. S. Lewis. For this post I am using the definition of meditation from Oxford Languages of “a written or spoken discourse expressing considered thoughts on a subject” for “meditation.” I make that distinction because my own definition of meditation here has been based on the opening two paragraphs of “Meditation in a Toolshed”:

“I was standing today in the dark toolshed. The sun was shining outside and through the crack at the top of the door there came a sunbeam. From where I stood that beam of light, with the specks of dust floating in it, was the most striking thing in the place. Everything else was almost pitch-black. I was seeing the beam, not seeing things by it.

Then I moved, so that the beam fell on my eyes. Instantly the whole previous picture vanished. I saw no toolshed, and (above all) no beam. Instead I saw, framed in the irregular cranny at the top of the door, green leaves moving on the branches of a tree outside and beyond that, 90 odd million miles away, the sun. Looking along the beam, and looking at the beam are very different experiences.”

C.S. Lewis, “Meditation in a Toolshed” in God in the Dock (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998, pp. 212-215.)

And that’s just the beginning of the essay! The point Lewis was making is that instead of merely looking at the sunbeam and looking through it, out into the world beyond the dark of the toolshed, he sees a completely different picture. As he said, “Instead I saw, framed in the irregular cranny at the top of the door, green leaves moving on the branches of a tree outside and beyond that, 90 odd million miles away, the sun” (Lewis, p. 212). There is a difference between simply looking at something or experiencing it. We must use our experiences, just as Lewis used his toolshed experience to see something greater. Without this deeper meditation the experience would be lost on us. I call this being the “Deer In The Headlights.”

This is why it was so important for me to be at The Kilns as a Scholar in Residence. I felt the need to live through (along) this incredible place that C. S. Lewis lived, meditated, and wrote as opposed to just looking at it. I didn’t want to just see the property – that’s a tour. I wanted to see through the property – living through The Kilns. I wake each morning to see the roses outside the windows and then can go smell them. I hear the stairs creak and crack as I walk up to Lewis’ study. I will never forget the feel of the southerly breeze and warmth of the sun through the window in Lewis’ study. You get the idea.

My entire study experience has been deepened because of the full immersion into C. S. Lewis’ life. Even my walks to the local pubs and other sites gave me the opportunity live through Lewis, who was described as a habitual walker. I wanted to walk where he walked. Lewis used the simple example of the neurologist who can describe pain scientifically, but really understands it because he has looked along pain (experienced) and not just looked at pain.

Lewis explained that we can’t look at or along, but use both. He said, “…we must start with no prejudice for or against either kind of looking” (p.215). We need the entire picture from looking at and along.

Another bit of history from The Kilns. The house in Oxford, England and home of C. S. Lewis, served as living quarters for teenage girls during Operation Pied Piper. During World War II Operation Pied Piper was a major evacuation program that took place in the United Kingdom. The operation aimed to protect children, particularly those living in urban areas, from the dangers of bombing raids by evacuating them to rural locations.

Some important things to remember about Operation Pied Piper include:

1. The evacuation: Starting on September 1, 1939, over 3 million people, mostly children, were evacuated from cities and towns to safer areas in the countryside. The initiative ended in 1946.

2. The reasons behind it: The main objective of the operation was to safeguard children from the devastating effects of aerial bombings by the Nazis. By relocating them to areas less likely to be targeted, it was hoped that their lives would be protected.

3. The process: Children were often separated from their families and housed with host families or in designated reception areas. Some experienced homesickness and difficulties adapting to new environments, while others formed lasting bonds with their hosts.

4. Post-evacuation challenges: After the initial wave of evacuation, many children returned to their families in cities due to the lack of immediate bombing threats. However, when intense bombing resumed later in the war, further evacuations occurred.

5. Long-term impact: Operation Pied Piper had a significant impact on the affected children and society as a whole. It highlighted the vulnerability of civilian populations during wartime and raised awareness about the need for child protection services and support systems.

It’s important to note that while Operation Pied Piper was a crucial part of history, it may also contain personal stories and experiences that contribute to the broader narrative of the human experience during times of conflict. I became interested in learning more about Operation Pied Piper while reading The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry.

While at The Kilns this week I had the opportunity to spend some time in the room where the children stayed (see photo). I tried, but couldn’t, to imagine what it must have been like to have a luggage tag put around your neck and shipped off to be picked out of a line and then spend long periods of time with people you did not know. I did love the story told while I was here at The Kilns that Jack (what everyone called C. S. Lewis) would sneak the girls out through the window to take them for fish and chips. That really raises him on the coolness scale for me even further. Don’t you agree?

The other notable area on the site is the bomb shelter (see photo). It is hard to imagine living less than an hour from London where bombs were falling and wondering if and when it might happen in Oxford. It is believed that Oxford was safe because it was being saved by Hitler to be his capital of Europe.

This was some very interesting history and certainly shaped many lives.

I have another post inspired by Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis. I read this book while living at The Kilns this week as a Scholar in Residence. Dr. Debbie Higgens, Director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, handed me the book when I was first getting settled in after learning I had not read The Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis that includes Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. At the time I wondered how this was going to fit the research work and writing I was doing about leadership, but I have to say it was an exciting guide to this week’s work. There have been so many phrases in the book that went right along with my studies. One such line in the book made me think about my overall pilgrimage to The Kilns. Here I was in a foreign country, by myself, in a house living with people I had never met until a few hours ago. A little scary, but glorious all the same. Then, in Out of the Silent Planet I read, “The tellers of tales in our world make us think that if there is any life beyond our own air, it is evil.” You ever thought about how true this is?

Our mythology has taught us that any life form, or anything outside of our own atmosphere would be bad or evil. Now, Neil Armstrong and company helped to subside this, but we still do this, even when thinking and speaking of of other countries. Before leaving to come here I had people asking me if I was nervous or scared to be living with people I did not know at The Kilns. This was curious to me – they are humans just like me – once I said “hello” they would not be strangers anymore. Just another reason why building relationships is so important. One of our challenges to inclusion is the myth of how different anywhere and anyone beyond our own air is. Not that everyone believes other places to be evil, but it is close to that in some instances. Our differences scare us when they should excite us.

I get there being an uneasiness when first meeting someone from a different country, but when truly getting to know them the uneasiness goes away very quickly. When arriving at The Kilns I literally put my bags in my room and was ushered to the dining room for tea. I had never done a formal tea before so I needed to be taught. My hosts were gracious in explaining things like how to put jam and clotted cream (in that order – trust me it is a big deal in the English air space) on my biscuit. It was a glorious time that I will never forget. In fact it is one of the highlights of my experience. I really got to know those I would be living with. My point is, I know people who that would have completely stressed out. Somewhere we have gotten wired in our systems just what Ransom said in Out of the Silent Planet, “The teller of tales in our own world make us think that if there is any life beyond our own air, it is evil.” I know he was referring to outer space in this book, but the “beyond our own air” can apply in some cases to the next neighborhood over.

We need to work hard to break this myth, particularly in our young people, by giving them experiences in others’ air. As adults we need to also take the opportunity to get in other human air space and get to know more of our fellow humans. Let’s get out there and experience life beyond our own air.