“Let’s pray that the human race never escapes from Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere.”
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
“Let’s pray that the human race never escapes from Earth to spread its iniquity elsewhere.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis expresses a darkly humorous yet serious concern about humanity’s potential to spread its flaws and moral failings to other worlds, should it ever achieve the technological ability to travel beyond Earth. Lewis suggests that, while humans may dream of exploring space or colonizing other planets, we must recognize that our moral shortcomings and self-destructive tendencies are deeply ingrained. The “iniquity” he refers to—human sinfulness—would likely follow us wherever we go, potentially causing even greater harm in uncharted territories. Thus, Lewis implies that it may be better for humanity to remain grounded on Earth, confronting our flaws here, rather than expanding into the cosmos and carrying our moral failings with us.
Lewis’s caution here reflects his broader views on the imperfections of human nature and his Christian understanding of sin. He was concerned that technological advancements, while offering opportunities for progress, might also amplify human faults rather than redeem them. In much of his writing, Lewis questioned the value of human self-sufficiency and the dangers of relying too heavily on scientific progress or human intellect without acknowledging the moral and spiritual dimensions of life. This quote can be seen as part of his skepticism toward unchecked human ambition.
In the modern context, this quote resonates as we continue to explore space and technology with ever-growing ambition. As the space race advances and discussions of space colonization grow, Lewis’s cautionary words are particularly relevant. The idea of humanity spreading its influence to other planets without first addressing its ethical and moral issues here on Earth serves as a reminder that technological progress should not outpace our moral maturity. It challenges us to reflect on the responsibility that comes with new powers—whether in space exploration or other scientific endeavors—and to consider the long-term consequences of using these powers without deep reflection on their moral implications.
