CS Lewis [11] is mainly seen as either a purveyor of goopy children's literature [12] or a Christian moralist fuddy-duddy [13]. But Lewis' Space Trilogy [14]—fantastic literature for adults, or "philosophical science fiction"—also reveals him as a dystopian prophet in the tradition of Orwell. The first two books in the series, Out of the Silent Planet [15] and Perelandra [16], are a critique of space imperialism [17] that anticipated the Avatar [18] movies. But the final one, That Hideous Strength [19], is particularly relevant for our historical moment, as it anticipated rule by fascist tech bros [20] with hubristic visions of remaking (or abolishing [21]) humanity. In Episode 332 of the CounterVortex podcast [22], Bill Weinberg makes the case that Lewis offered a vital critique [23] of technocracy and "transhumanism" that is now urgently needed, as humanity stands at the cusp of his worst nightmares.
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Production by Chris Rywalt [26]
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