The quote “Whenever all men are…hastening to be slaves or tyrants we make Liberalism the prime bogey” by C.S. Lewis is a commentary on political and societal tendencies, particularly those related to power dynamics and ideologies.
In this context, the term ‘bogey’ refers to a source of fear or an imaginary threat. So when Lewis says ‘we make Liberalism the prime bogey’, he suggests that people often blame liberalism for societal problems rather than acknowledging their own role in creating these issues.
The phrase ‘all men are… hastening to be slaves or tyrants’ implies that humans have an inherent tendency towards extremes – either seeking control (tyrants) or surrendering it (slaves). This polarizing tendency can lead to conflict and division within society. Instead of recognizing this as a result of human nature, people tend to attribute it to political ideologies such as liberalism.
Applying this idea in today’s world could involve recognizing our own biases and tendencies towards extreme positions, whether they’re political or personal. It encourages us not only to question our beliefs but also challenges us not just accept things at face value but delve deeper into understanding the root cause of issues.
In terms of personal development, this quote reminds us that blaming external factors for our problems often prevents us from making necessary changes within ourselves. Recognizing our own potential for both tyranny (excessive control) and slavery (excessive submission) can help us strive for balance and avoid falling into these extremes.