Learning in Wartime

Lewis argues that the human race can only develop when we have learned to ignore all the pressing issues that surround us. He says that we are eternal creatures bound to heaven or hell. this is a very pressing doom that we cannot escape. We are continually headed towards one or the other. Most people would think that with that kind of pressure we would never try to learn anything because it is all useless we can never learn enough before we die, we should concentrate on how to get to heaven.

But we have developed. Man has been able to shake off the despair ans work towards a better life, passing on his discovers to the next generation. If we can forget about our eternal doom enough to better ourselves then surely we can ignore a war or a disease. We cannot wait for a favorable time. There never will be a favorable time. Man will "Propound mathematical theorems in beleaguered cities, conduct metaphysical arguments in condemned cells, make jokes on scaffold, discuss the last new poem while advancing on the walls of Quebec, and comb their hair at Thermopylae."

I disagree somewhat with Lewis that there is no favorable time to learn. I think that there are more favorable times than others. During war one is much more focused on survival. It is more commonly discussed. Whereas if there is a new strain of disease it is much less pressing on our minds. I think we can learn at all times but we will make better progress during some than others.