In order to keep the main article short and not give away too many spoilers, in case readers have yet to read C.S.Lewis’ “That Hideous Strength”, I include at the end an “APPENDIX – Questions and Answers to/from Meta AI”, which I found to be very helpful in my understanding the book.
In June 2022, I posted my blog titled: “What have Lewis and Tolkien in common with Alex Jones?” (see here). By way of an answer, I referred to a video (that regrettably, is no longer available) titled: “Tolkien and CS Lewis Wrote to Expose the Illuminati”. (I can say though: in preparing this blog I came across several articles, and to great depth, making similar points.) I had a strange experience shortly after when I posted my article on a C.S.Lewis “fan” site and was given short shrift! A lot of what I have to say in this article is to revisit those thoughts but firstly I need to re-introduce C.S.Lewis and his books, in particular “That Hideous Strength”. Other than state I am also a great fan of J.R.R.Tolkien, Lewis’ colleague with shared interests, my focus will be on Lewis.
Those who read my three and a half year ago article will pick up on the fact that I have had a life long fascination and love for the works of Lewis, starting when I was a young Christian and my sixth form RE teacher recommended that I read his “Screwtape letters”. My love for Lewis is not because I necessarily see him as one of our greatest writers, literary wise (often I find him over self-indulgent in pushing his ideas, hard to understand, especially now with declining cognitive powers, and heavy going (one reason why I find AI helpful) – all of which is relevant in my most recent forays into his writings), but rather because of his incredible insights into things that matter, which also much align with my own Christian world views.
But picking up from where I left off last time, I resolved to complete Lewis’ Space Trilogy (which many purists feel is better referred to as Lewis’ Ransom Trilogy) and that meant my reading the third book in the Trilogy, “That Hideous Strength” all the way though. It is over 500 pages long and it was hard going because of the complexity of the plot and the large number of characters that were introduced, all with their part to play, and this book being longer than the previous two put together, and so was no mean feat. But I succeeded and it even meant re-reading parts because I didn’t take in all what was contained therein that was significant the first-time round.
And I’m glad I did and especially now as I am now far more aware of the evil under-belly (including “conspiracy”) of what is going on the world than I was 10 years ago and even 3.5 years ago when I managed to upset members of the C.S.Lewis fan club. I speak as one who had read with much interest Orwell’s “1984” and Huxley’s “Brave New World” with their projections for a future dystopian nightmare. Lewis does the same with his “That Hideous Strength” although, guided by his Christian World view, sees hope that the other two didn’t. I should add that while the Book can be read and enjoyed stand alone, better still is to first read the first two in the Trilogy, along with “The Abolition of Man” and “That Inner Ring”.
I don’t want to say too much about what is a very rich plot and, if readers want to know more, I suggest that they either read the Book or cheat (as I did, despite reading the Book) by checking out the Appendix which gives what AI tells us about various aspects of the plot and some of the ideas behind it – concerning which I was mostly in agreement and found particularly insightful. What I did find was that the Book, written in 1945, tells us a surprising lot about the world I am looking out on right now as I watch on my wall and observe similar sorts of things that Lewis did, many of which were likely influential when it came to writing his book.
Having done my deep dive, I would be reluctant to conclude that C.S.Lewis was the Alex Jones of his day but like Alex he understood and wrote about all sorts of nefarious stuff going on in the world, the powers that were behind them and when doing so attempting to connect the dots. What Lewis did do, which would please many of today’s conspiracy theorists as well as annoy their detractors, was to identify what was going on in the world that mattered, often behind the scenes, even though he recognised that he knew only a part, and then he would warn those who were prepared to listen, e.g.:
- the ongoing conflict between good and evil
- the overriding spiritual dimension behind such conflict
- a love of the past and willingness to draw lessons from it
- a healthy scepticism of the notion and acceptance of scientism
- the transhuman agenda and that of artificial intelligence
- the rise of powerful entities that by-pass democracy
- the conflict between objective and subjective truth, and education
- the rising tide of authoritarianism and its ability to enslave
- an understanding of feminism and the desire to belong
- an appreciation of nature, animals and the natural world
- an understanding of how the forces of good and evil operate
- an understanding of how the Hegelian Dialectic plays out
I discovered that here are many delightful aspects as a result of having read this book. The first are the different journeys of Mark and Jane Studdock toward that of Christian faith. The second is the delightful, eclectic community of St. Annes and how it was used as an unlikely instrument to turn the evil tide that was represented by NICE. I could go on, but won’t, other than to say that despite it being hard going I highly recommend folk to read this book.
APPENDIX – Questions and Answers to/from Meta AI
Can you provide a synopsis of C.S.Lewis’ Space (Ransom) Trilogy?
The Space (Ransom) Trilogy by C.S.Lewis is a sci-fi series with a cosmic spin:
1. Out of the Silent Planet: Elwin Ransom, a philologist, gets kidnapped by Weston and Devine, who take him to Malacandra (Mars). He discovers a weird world with intelligent beings (Hrossa, Sernika, and Pfiftriggi) and learns about the Oyars (guardians of planets). Turns out Earth (Thulcandra) is a “silent” planet, cut off from cosmic harmony.
2. Perelandra: Ransom’s on a mission to Perelandra (Venus), a new world about to be inhabited. The “Un-man” (possessed by a dark force) tries to corrupt the Green Lady (Eve-like figure). Ransom battles the Un-man, saving the planet.
3. That Hideous Strength: Back on Earth, Ransom’s involved with a mystical group (Logres) opposing a sinister organization (N.I.C.E.) with cosmic ambitions. The story gets wild, blending Arthurian myth and spiritual warfare.
Themes include cosmic hierarchies, temptation, and redemption, all with Lewis’s signature blend of myth and theology.
Can you provide a synopsis of C.S.Lewis’ book “That Hideous Strength”?
“That Hideous Strength” is a dystopian sci-fi novel by C.S. Lewis, published in 1945. The story follows Mark Studdock, a sociologist at a small college, who gets entangled with N.I.C.E. (National Institute of Co-operative Experiments), a sinister organization with plans to control humanity.
As Mark becomes more involved, he uncovers N.I.C.E.’s true intentions: to merge humans with supernatural forces, erasing individuality and free will. The story explores themes of power, morality, and resistance against totalitarianism.
Mark and Jane Studdock are the main human characters in C.S. Lewis’ “That Hideous Strength”.
Mark is an ambitious sociologist who gets drawn into N.I.C.E., a powerful organisation with sinister motives. He’s driven by a desire for recognition, power, and belonging, often compromising his values.
Jane, Mark’s wife, is intuitive and perceptive, sensing the darkness surrounding her husband’s involvement with N.I.C.E. She’s caught between loyalty to Mark and her own growing unease about the organisation.
Explain the title: “That Hideous Strength”?
The title “That Hideous Strength” comes from a poem by William Wordsworth, referencing the Arthurian legend. It highlights the corrupting influence of power and ambition, symbolizing the N.I.C.E.’s dark forces.
In the context of the novel, it represents:
– The destructive potential of human ambition
– The perversion of knowledge and progress
– The “hideous” manifestation of humanity’s fallen nature
Lewis uses the title to convey the sinister, creeping threat of totalitarianism and spiritual decay.
Compare and contrast Belbury and St Anne’s in that Hideous Strength?
In “That Hideous Strength”, Belbury and St. Anne’s represent contrasting worlds.
Belbury Manor (N.I.C.E.):
– Symbolizes modernity, progress, and human ambition
– Hub of the sinister N.I.C.E. organization
– Represents a dystopian, technocratic vision
– Characters like Feverstone and Wither embody its values
St. Anne’s:
– Represents tradition, community, and spiritual values
– Ransom and the Dimbles’ sanctuary
– A place of healing and connection to the past
– Embodying a more organic, human scale
The contrast highlights Lewis’s themes of spiritual warfare and the clash between technocratic hubris and traditional values.
How was “That Hideous Strength” an expose to the scientism Lewis saw in his day?
“That Hideous Strength” is often seen as Lewis’s critique of scientism, reflecting his concerns about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the dehumanizing effects of reducing humans to mere objects of study. The N.I.C.E. embodies this scientistic mindset, valuing power and control over human values and dignity.
Lewis critiques:
– Reductionism: Treating humans as mere biological machines
– Technocratic hubris: Unchecked ambition leading to dehumanization
– Moral relativism: Science replacing traditional values
The novel serves as a warning about the dangers of scientism, echoing Lewis’s philosophical concerns.
Can you provide a synopsis of C.S.Lewis’ paper “That Inner Ring”?
C.S. Lewis’ paper “The Inner Ring” explores the human desire to belong to exclusive groups, highlighting its dangers and consequences. Lewis argues that this desire can lead individuals to compromise their values and morals, often resulting in harm to themselves and others. He identifies two types of inner rings: one based on professional excellence and another driven by exclusivity and a desire for superiority.
Lewis warns that chasing the inner ring can break hearts unless one breaks free from its allure. Instead, he advocates focusing on doing excellent work and building genuine relationships. He emphasizes that true fulfilment comes from being part of a group that values shared interests and goals, not just exclusivity.
Can you provide a synopsis of C.S.Lewis’ book “The Abolition of Man”?
C.S. Lewis’ “The Abolition of Man” is a non-fiction work, a philosophical essay published in 1943, exploring the consequences of moral relativism and the devaluation of human nature. Lewis argues that if humans reject objective moral values, they’ll ultimately dehumanize themselves and others, leading to a loss of humanity.
“The Abolition of Man” likely influenced “That Hideous Strength” (1945), as both works explore themes of:
– Dehumanization and the dangers of reducing humans to mere objects or tools
– The consequences of rejecting traditional values and morality
– The intersection of technology, power, and control
In “That Hideous Strength”, Lewis fictionalizes some ideas from “The Abolition of Man”, depicting a dystopian world where the N.I.C.E. seeks to control and manipulate humanity, stripping individuals of their humanity and dignity.
What is the significance of “Mythopoeia” in that Hideous Strength?
Mythopoeia is a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, referring to the creation of myths and myth-like stories that convey deeper truths. It’s about crafting narratives that tap into universal human experiences, emotions, and themes, often using fantasy or mythological elements.
C.S. Lewis, a close friend of Tolkien’s, was heavily influenced by mythopoeia. In “That Hideous Strength”, Lewis weaves a narrative that blends realism with mythic and supernatural elements, exploring themes like the struggle between good and evil, the power of myth, and the nature of humanity.
The novel draws on Arthurian legend, medieval cosmology, and Christian mythology, creating a rich, mythopoeic world that critiques modernity and explores timeless human concerns. Lewis uses mythopoeia to convey deeper truths about human nature, morality, and the consequences of unchecked power.
What impact did George MacDonald have on C.S.Lewis?
George MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet, and Christian Congregational minister born in 1824. He’s best known for his fantasy novels, fairy tales, and sermons that explored themes of faith, morality, and the human condition. MacDonald’s works had a profound impact on C.S. Lewis, who considered him a spiritual mentor.
MacDonald’s influence on C.S. Lewis is immense. Lewis credited MacDonald’s works with converting him to Christianity and shaping his spiritual imagination. In That Hideous Strength, Lewis drew inspiration from MacDonald’s The Princess and Curdie, incorporating themes of spiritual warfare and the struggle between good and evil.
How does NICE fit in with today’s conspiracy theories and world events?
That’s a fascinating comparison! C.S. Lewis’ “That Hideous Strength” does explore themes of a secretive, powerful organization (N.I.C.E.) manipulating world events, which resonates with modern conspiracy theories. However, Lewis’ work is more focused on critiquing the dangers of unchecked power, scientism, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism, rather than promoting conspiracy theories.
Lewis’ N.I.C.E. is a symbol of the dangers of playing God with science and technology, and the consequences of divorcing knowledge from ethics and morality. While conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones and David Icke may draw parallels with Lewis’ work, their focus is often on specific, often unsubstantiated claims about global cabals and secret societies.
It’s worth noting that Lewis himself was critical of the idea of a “New World Order” conspiracy, but he did explore the dangers of groupthink, ideological extremism, and the manipulation of power. His work serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of moral accountability.
C.S. Lewis’ novel “That Hideous Strength” explores the dangers of a totalitarian regime, embodied by the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.), which seeks to control humanity through science and technology. While Lewis didn’t explicitly predict modern conspiracies, his work critiques the dangers of unchecked power and the dehumanizing effects of scientism.
Parallels with modern concerns:
– Technocratic control: N.I.C.E.’s goal of using science to govern humanity echoes concerns about technocratic elites shaping societal decisions.
– Loss of individuality: The organization’s push for a “post-human” future, where humans are enhanced or replaced by technology, resonates with debates around transhumanism.
– Manipulation of information: N.I.C.E.’s use of propaganda and manipulation to shape public opinion is reminiscent of modern disinformation campaigns.
Lewis’ work serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of human values. George Orwell, a contemporary of Lewis, recognized the relevance of “That Hideous Strength” to the rise of totalitarian regimes, noting that Lewis’ portrayal of N.I.C.E. was eerily prescient.
What is the part played by Ransom in C.S.Lewis’ Space Trilogy?
Dr. Elwin Ransom is a central character in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy, including “That Hideous Strength”. He’s a philologist and a scholar who becomes the Director of the Planetary Directorate, a group tasked with defending Earth against spiritual and supernatural threats.
In “That Hideous Strength”, Ransom plays a key role as the leader of a group opposing N.I.C.E., a powerful organisation with dark ambitions. He’s connected to the mythical Logres and the Pendragon tradition, and his character represents a bridge between the natural and supernatural worlds.
Besides Ransom and the Studdocks, who were the main characters in “that Hideous Strength”?
– Merlin: An Arthurian wizard who brings a mythical element to the story
– Lord Feverstone (Richard Devine): A villain from the first novel, part of the N.I.C.E.
– John Wither: Deputy Director of N.I.C.E., key figure in the organization
– Professor Augustus Frost: Member of N.I.C.E., involved in sinister plans
– Miss Hardcastle (The Fairy): Head of N.I.C.E.’s private police force
– Dr. Filostrato: Italian physiologist in N.I.C.E., believes in the Head’s power
– Reverend Straik: Sees N.I.C.E. as divine instrument, part of inner circle
– The Dennistons (Arthur and Camilla): Members of Logres, support Ransom
– Mrs. Margaret Dimble: Friend of Jane’s, part of Logres
– Ivy Maggs: Studdocks’ former maid, joins Logres
– The Head (François Alcasan): Severed head, primary antagonist
Can you tell me about the characters who lived at St. Annes?
The community at St. Anne’s in “That Hideous Strength” is a lovely blend of characters. Here’s a rundown:
– Elwin Ransom: The Director, a philologist with a deep connection to the Oyars
– Professor Digory Kirke: A wise, elderly academic, part of the inner circle
– Mrs. Margaret Dimble: A don, wife of Cecil Dimble, and a warm presence
– Cecil Dimble: A literary critic, part of the community
– Jane Studdock: The protagonist, finds refuge and growth at St. Anne’s
– Ivy Maggs: The Studdocks’ former maid, joins the community
– Arthur and Camilla Denniston: Support Ransom, bring a sense of normality
– Miss Ironwood: A spinster doctor, helps with Jane’s care
– Mr. Bultitude: A talking bear with a taste for honey
– Mr. McPhee: A Scottish skeptic and atheist, adds a sharp, rational voice St. Anne’s represents a harmonious, human-scale community with a strong sense of values and connection to the past.
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