"I believe that in all men's lives at certain periods, and in many men's lives at all periods between infancy and extreme old age, one of the most dominant elements is the desire to be inside the local Ring and the terror of being left outside." The Inner Ring by C.S. Lewis

Have you ever found yourself yearning to be part of “them” or “that gang,” an exclusive group whose members are “in” and all “outsiders” are desperate to be included among their ranks? British novelist and academic C.S. Lewis described this as the quest for admission into the “Inner Ring.” Highlighting a passage from Leo Tolstoy’s timeless masterpiece, War and Peace, Lewis argued that endeavoring to become a part of some “inner ring” ultimately leaves one alone and devoid of greater meaning in life. Instead, Lewis urged his reader to strive to become “one of the sound craftsmen” adept at their profession and was recognized as such by fellow “sound craftsmen.”

The Intern Reading Group will meet to discuss The Inner Ring, a lecture by C.S. Lewis, and how it sheds light on cronyism and the lure of political power.

If you would like to join this Reading Group for Capitol Hill Interns, please RSVP by emailing Rohan Suri.

Free Chick-fil-A lunch provided.