C.S. Lewis was a man gifted with tremendous foresight — not quite clairvoyance — but a remarkable capacity to predict the future of human undertakings. This wisdom becomes even more apparent after reading Ryszard Legutko’s take on the current state of affairs, in which the Polish academic is able to dissect and critique the communist spirit, along with its lingering presence in liberal-democracies. Two of the more pivotal likenesses between Lewis’ fictional “N.I.C.E” and its non-fictional fraternal twins (such as the EU, and Soviet Communist Party) is their means of communication, and their craving of loyalty.
When Mark Studdock meets John Withers, it becomes clear that he is being manipulated. Withers speaks in ambiguous terms, employing double-speak while putting on a facade of kindness and courtesy. He knows that Mark is desperate to work for N.I.C.E., and seeks to take advantage of this firm willingness. Rather than adequately informing Mark about this potential job, he simply deflects (albeit with ease and eloquent language), responding with meaningless formalities such as: “As I said before, you will find us a very happy family, and may feel perfectly satisfied that no questions as to your entire suitability have been agitating anyone’s mind in the least…” (Lewis 52). This disconcerting behavior and language selection is purposeful; Withers is not willing to divulge any important information because he is looking for spineless sycophants rather than independent-minded employees. He seeks those who are willing to put aside their own values for that of the organization, because N.I.C.E’s message and purpose is paramount, and the individual is henceforth rendered meaningless.
The Communist Parties of yore executed the same methods. Loyalty was also the main priority, superseding any notion of individuality or unique thought. Monolithic thought was the norm, and anyone who strayed from the prescribed system of Marxist doctrine received a rusty ice pick to the skull. We have yet to see if N.I.C.E replicates this brutal methodology, but perhaps it foreshadows a grim ending. If Mark Studdock does not yield to N.I.C.E’s prescribed doctrine, it could spell danger. He must “humbly submit, perceiv[ing] these values as compatible with [his] innermost feelings” (Legutko 65). If Mark kowtows to their platform without asking too many questions, then N.I.C.E. will view him as a valuable asset.
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