“A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.”
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
“A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis addresses the potential influence of literature and ideas on one’s beliefs, particularly concerning atheism. As someone who famously converted from atheism to Christianity, Lewis understood the power of books and ideas to shape one’s worldview. The “young man” in the quote symbolizes someone in the early stages of intellectual development, and Lewis warns that exposure to certain ideas—especially those that explore religious or spiritual themes—can challenge deeply held beliefs, including atheism. Thus, to remain a “sound atheist,” one must be selective about what they read, as literature and philosophy have the potential to subtly shift one’s perspectives.
Historically, Lewis’s own journey from atheism to Christianity was deeply influenced by the literature he encountered during his youth. As an academic and scholar, he was well-versed in the works of classic thinkers, many of whom discussed the nature of God, morality, and the universe. Lewis’s conversion was not just a matter of religious experience but also intellectual exploration. In a way, he was advising young people to be mindful of their intellectual environment because ideas have a profound impact on the development of one’s beliefs.
In contemporary times, this quote is particularly relevant in a world filled with an overwhelming amount of information. Whether through social media, books, or online content, the ideas we encounter every day can shape our understanding of faith, philosophy, and life. Just as Lewis cautioned young atheists about the books they choose to read, we should be mindful of the ideas we engage with, as they have the potential to challenge or reinforce our existing views.
