Time Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Man’s conquest of Nature turns out, in the moment of its consummation, to be Nature’s conquest of Man. Every victory we seemed to win has led us, step by step, to this conclusion. All Nature’s apparent reverses have been but tactical withdrawals. We thought we were beating her back when she was luring us on. What looked to us like hands held up in surrender was really the opening of arms to enfold us for ever. If the fully planned and conditioned world (with its Tao a mere product of the planning) comes into existence, Nature will be troubled no more by the restive species that rose in revolt against her so many millions of years ago, will be vexed no longer by its chatter of truth and mercy and beauty and happiness. Ferum victorem cepit: and if the eugenics are efficient enough there will be no second revolt, but all snug beneath the Conditioners, and the Conditioners beneath her, till the moon falls or the sun grows cold.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Humanity, 1970 (hypothetical)
Human attempts to dominate nature ultimately lead to nature dominating humanity, suggesting a cyclical power shift and warning of over‑control.
In simple terms: Control over nature leads to being controlled.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural limits.
Themes
environment
power
hubris
technology
philosophy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental planning
- technological development
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
ecology
determinism
ethical limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance should we strike between technology and nature?
- Can humanity avoid becoming subservient to its own creations?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on control can ignore adaptive resilience.
