Abolition of Man - The Way

“[The Innovator] is likely to give up the quest for a ‘rational’ core and to hunt for some other grounds even more ‘basic’ and ‘realistic’” (32).
“The preservation of society, and of the species itself, are ends that do not hang on the precarious thread of Reason; they are given by instinct” (33).

Lewis introduces something known as the “Innovator”, one who attempts to create a new set of values. From the perspective of the Innovator, the idea that it is sweet and seemly to die for one’s country is evolved. The Innovator believes there is realism behind this idea and “it lies in the utility of such sacrifice to the community” (30). He brings reasoning in this idea and suggests that some of us must die to save other people’s lives. The counter question that arises is: “Why should I be one of those who take the risk?” (31). The answer is that one’s choice to either refuse or consent is neither rational or irrational. However, Lewis attacks this argument by saying preserving society has nothing to do with reason, but it actually has to do with our instincts. Martyrdom is something out of pure impulse, there is no logic or reasoning behind it. Lewis says, “We have an instinctive urge to preserve our own species … We have no instinctive urge to keep promises or to respect individual life” (33).