Brian Daskam – 03.07.10

I propose a fight between C.S. Lewis and Richard Florida. As far as I know, these two writers have never met, and the former has the disadvantage of being deceased. Still, the battle is an important one, and anyone concerned with the future of the arts, culture, and commerce in Denton would do well to attend the match.

Of course Florida would be fighting under the banner of the “Creative Class,” his special brand of economic development. Florida has observed that cities brimming with culture tend to be ideal environments for modern businesses looking for innovative workers. And since cities are desperate to attract businesses, it would be wise to court these businesses indirectly by investing in culture. The cultural life of a city, in this view, is given a high value and a robust defense. What may have seemed previously to be mere window dressing to city planners, now carries real significance. The economic vitality of a city may well depend on it.

Unlike Florida, C.S. Lewis was not an economic development guru. He was, however, an attentive student of the human condition. In a lecture entitled Membership, he spoke the following lines, which are worth consideration: “…the sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal, or two friends talking over a pint of beer, or a man alone reading a book that interests him; [and] all economics, politics, laws, armies, and institutions, save in so far as they prolong and multiply such scenes, are a mere plowing the sand and sowing the ocean, a meaningless vanity and vexation of spirit.”

Lewis’ view claims that the private activities of free humans are the highest natural goods. Like the Creative Class theory, it also values cultural life, but notice the difference. Here a city’s cultural life is valuable insofar as it enriches the lives of citizens. There is no higher good to which we can appeal. To see a room packed with people, enjoying good music, and to call it a valuable lure for business would be a baffling encouragement. People enjoying music together is a good that needs no higher justification[i].

The conflict between Florida and Lewis’ positions, then, is a matter of teleology, of ends or purposes. Why should we value, defend, and encourage a thriving culture in Denton? Because it will attract businesses, or because it will increase human happiness? Until we can say with clarity why our culture is valuable, the tension will remain. We will see creative activity in Denton primarily as either a basic human good or a branding opportunity.

I, for one, hope Lewis’ position wins. As we strive to make Denton a city filled with good music, rich discussion, and conviviality, let’s do so with clear motives. Enjoying and encouraging our culture is a good thing and needs no excuse beyond itself.

[i] Lewis would add the caveat, “as long as we are thinking only of natural values.” In other words, this argument does not extend to the metaphysical or spiritual values, to which these natural values may be subject.

Brian Daskam works for the City of Denton and owns Bookish Coffee, Denton’s Coffee Roaster.