“What we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“What we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis critiques the notion of human dominance over nature, revealing that what we often perceive as mastery over the natural world is actually a form of power wielded by certain individuals or groups over others, using nature as a tool or means to assert that control. Lewis suggests that the exploitation of natural resources or the manipulation of the environment is not driven purely by a desire to benefit humanity as a whole, but often by the interests of the few who have the means to use nature as an instrument for their own gain, often at the expense of the many. This shifts the narrative from one of human superiority over nature to one of social power dynamics, where nature is the medium through which this power is exercised.
Lewis’s insight reflects his concerns about industrialization and the growing technological advances of his time, especially after World War II. He was wary of how the exploitation of natural resources and technological innovations could be misused by those in power, leading to social inequalities and a loss of individual freedoms. For Lewis, technology and science, while powerful tools for progress, could also become mechanisms of oppression if used irresponsibly or with selfish intent. This view can be seen in many of his writings, where he expressed concern about the dehumanizing effects of unchecked technological progress.
In modern times, this quote remains deeply relevant as we confront issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, and the disparities between those who benefit from the exploitation of nature and those who suffer its consequences. Whether in the context of corporate exploitation, political power, or the use of technology to control populations, Lewis’s warning invites us to reconsider how we use our power over the natural world. It challenges us to think critically about how nature is manipulated and how this dynamic affects both the environment and the social structures that govern our lives, urging a more ethical and equitable relationship with both nature and one another.
