C.S. Lewis On Why We Should Read Old Books And Why History Matters

Renowned British writer and academic C.S. Lewis is most recognized for his works in philosophy, theology, and literature. One of the most important of his many provocative views is his support for reading classic literature. He highlights the value of studying history and classic literature in The Weight of Glory (1941) in order to develop intellectual humility, escape the prejudices of our own day, and obtain perspective.

The Appreciability Of Older Books

Lewis contends that classic literature acts as a corrective lens, enabling us to see beyond the constrained perspective of our own time. Every generation, he argues, has intellectual and moral blind spots—beliefs and presumptions that seem unquestioningly correct at the moment but may subsequently be shown as defective. Through reading historical literature, we expose ourselves to several points of view and help us to see the fleeting and even erroneous character of modern trends.

He notes:

“Most of all, maybe, we need close awareness of the past.” Not that the past has any magic about it, but since we cannot study the future and yet need something to set against the present, to remind us that the fundamental assumptions have been quite different in different periods and that much which seems certain to the uneducated is only temporary fashion.

This concept captures Lewis’s conviction that history is a tool for intellectual development rather than just a chronicle of past occurrences. Reading ancient literature allows us to interact with concepts that question our presumptions outside of our current cultural surroundings.

Intellectual Humility And Point Of View

Lewis’s analogy of reading old books to traveling is among his most striking ones. According to him, someone who has lived in several countries is less prone to be misled by the local prejudices of their hometown. Likewise, a researcher who has studied several eras becomes “immune” to the “great cataract of nonsense” that contemporary media relentlessly produces.

Stated another way, antique books provide a kind of intellectual journey. They enable us to feel the ideas, worries, and knowledge of people who came before us. This approach helps us grow in critical thinking and toward a more balanced view of the present. Without such historical context, we run the danger of becoming caught in popular but maybe false beliefs and confusing transient trends for universal truths.

Steer Clear Of Chronological Snobbery

Lewis also encourages reading past works to avoid what he refers to as “chronological snobbery,” the false perception that new ideas are intrinsically better than old ones only because they are recent. He cautions that every generation sees itself as the height of development while discounting the past as out dated or meaningless. He tells us, meanwhile, that future generations will probably see our own time through the same doubt.

A Methodical Approach To Knowledge

Reading old texts helps us to grow modest. It reminds us that throughout history, human nature, knowledge, and stupidity have been somewhat constant. What we take for enlightened today can be considered as foolish tomorrow. Studying history helps us to separate enduring truths from fads.

Lewis advises us to balance current texts with past ones rather than completely discount them. He said, famously, “After reading a new book, never allow yourself another new one until you have read an old one in between.” This guarantees that a wider range of ideas shapes our thinking instead of allowing the prejudices of our own era to define it.

Conclusion

It is still important to follow C.S. Lewis’s advice to read old books. In a day of fast-shifting stories, social media trends, and spectacular news cycles, the reminder to turn to the past is very vital. Reading historical works helps us to see things from another angle, prevent intellectual arrogance, and foster a closer knowledge of human nature.

Reading ancient texts is about insight, critical thinking, and making sure we are not mindlessly guided by the presumptions of our own age—not about nostalgia. As Lewis advises, we have to grow from those who came before us if we wish to be truly educated.