--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: For the wise men of old the cardinal…" description: "\"For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to sub..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/814/c-s-lewis-2-132_applied-science_for-the-wise-men-of-old-the-cardinal-pro_1410764.png" --- # For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how… ![“For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men.” quote by C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/814/c-s-lewis-2-132_applied-science_for-the-wise-men-of-old-the-cardinal-pro_1410764.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/814/c-s-lewis-2-132_applied-science_for-the-wise-men-of-old-the-cardinal-pro_1410764.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/814/c-s-lewis-2-132_applied-science_for-the-wise-men-of-old-the-cardinal-pro_1410764.png) > “For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men.” [C. S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human wisdom seeks to adapt to reality, while magic and science aim to bend reality to human desire. **In simple terms:** Wisdom adapts; magic tries to control. Key Takeaway Balance acceptance with ambition. Themes philosophy science magic Mood thoughtful contemplative Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal goal setting - technological innovation - spiritual practice - creative problem solving Key Concepts ontology human ambition Questions to Reflect On - Are you adapting to reality or trying to dominate it? - What limits should we respect? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can lead to hubris and unintended consequences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Applied science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/applied-science/) [Magic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/magic/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Reality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reality/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Soul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/soul/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) [Wise men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise-men/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/) ## Related quotes > [There is something which unites magic and applied science (technology) while separating them from the "wisdom" of earlier ages. 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