We will take a second brief intermission to review what we have accomplished before I move forward to close out my “Case for C.S. Lewis.”
In an earlier segment of this series, I listed five questions that must be answered in assessing Lewis’ credentials as “the most erudite person in history.” They are:
- How many books did Lewis read?
- What was the value of the information in the books Lewis read?
- How robust was Lewis’ comprehension of what he read?
- How flawless was Lewis’ ability to retain the information he read?
- What did Lewis accomplish with all that “literary learning”?
I am aware that the quality of my case is contingent upon the credibility of my answers to these questions. Even if I acquit myself commendably, there will be those who respectfully believe my premise falls short of “plausible.” No matter, this exercise was intended to be engaging, and perhaps even edifying.
Over the previous 22 posts, I did my best to address the first four questions listed above. We have now arrived at the fifth, and final question: What did Lewis accomplish with all that literary learning?
My audience for this series has been limited to members of various C.S. Lewis Facebook groups. This is impressive group of people that which includes thousands of knowledgeable Lewis aficionados and quite a few Lewisian authors and “exemplars”. In light of this, one might surmise there is little need to sing the praises of Lewis’ accomplishments.
But the larger question is this: Did C.S. Lewis’ accomplishments rise to a level that we might expect from “the most erudite person in history”?
Other Candidates Nominated
Among the many comments from readers, some nominated other candidates who merit consideration for the title of “most erudite ever”. I have, myself, nominated two other people for consideration, but I have done no research to validate their credentials as I have done for C.S. Lewis.
Including Lewis, there are ten nominees thus far. Listed in chronological order this includes:
- John Milton 1608-1674 English Poet: Paradise Lost; author, civil servant
- Gottfried Leibniz 1646-1716 German Polymath, mathematician, philosopher, scientist, diplomat
- Ben Franklin 1706-1790 United States Polymath, author, inventor, statesman, diplomat, publisher
- Samuel Johnson 1709-1784 England Author, man of letters, essayist, literary critic, and lexicographer
- Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826 United States Statesman, diplomat, philosopher, architect, Third President
- G.K. Chesterton 1874-1936 England Author: The Everlasting Man; philosopher, lay theologian,
- Winston Churchill England 1874-1965 Statesman, soldier, author, Prime Minister
- C.S. Lewis 1898-1963 England Author, educator, philosopher, debater, literary critic
- Mortimer Adler (my nominee) 1902-2001 United States Encylopedist, author, philosopher, educator
- Umberto Eco (my nominee) 1932-2016 Italy Author, philosopher, cultural critic, social commentator
Framework for Assessing C.S. Lewis’ Accomplishments
I will close out my case for C.S. Lewis by addressing the fifth question on Lewis’ accomplishments over the next four posts. The categories of assessment will include:
- Lewis’ literary accomplishments.
- Lewis’ intellectual accomplishments.
- Lewis’ apologetics accomplishments.
- Lewis’ spiritual accomplishments.
As we approach the culmination of this series, I ask you to reflect upon the larger question that I have posed: Is C.S. Lewis the “most erudite person in history? As you reflect on each of the five questions, I suggest you add this qualifying phrase: “Who more than C.S. Lewis?”
As I have stated from the beginning, my objective is not to prove beyond refutation that Lewis was the most erudite person ever. My great hope is that some of you might consider my premise to be “plausible.”
Perhaps your position will be “I believe ‘Nominee X’:
- Amassed greater literary learning . . .
- Had broader and more important fields of knowledge . . .
- Was blessed with superior talent for comprehending the author’s intended meaning . . .
- Had greater powers of retention . . .
- Accomplished more of lasting value with his or her erudition for the well-being of humanity.
If you hold that position, please know that I respect your views, and hope to learn from you. However, I would like very much to know why you think so.
Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
Erudition Series Index
