The Abolition of Man

To conclude his argument, Lewis examines the consequences of “Man’s conquest of Nature,” (59) or scientific progress. Lewis finds that what is characterized as human beings’ conquest over nature is often in reality a case of human beings using nature to gain power over other human beings. Thus, what is described as scientific progress is not progress at all, but rather a tyranny of a few humans over many other humans.

Lewis predicts a future in which a small elite group of scientific experts will attempt to control the human population and mold the population according to the experts’ desires. Whereas in the past the Tao served as the basis for education, in the future, values will be created through education, which will more closely resemble social conditioning or propaganda. Thus, the Tao will be disregarded as new values take its place. In this conquering of the Tao, we will obliterate human nature.

The team of scientific experts, referred to as the Conditioners, will become the arbiters of value and meaning. The team will determine what is morally good or bad without any reference to the Tao. The only operating motive will be the Conditioners’ pleasure, which is a result of irrational impulses.