Letter I
Title: Reason, Truth, Material Needs and Science Fundamental Principles for Seeking Direction
Screwtape advises Wormwood not to engage his patient in reasoning, but to deaden his mind with jargon and distractions. Thought about things beyond human experience is to be discouraged by any means necessary.
In this letter csL covers many subjects related to seeking direction for life. From books and friends, to intellectual attitudes; from material needs to the meaning of life and the popular understanding and use of science and knowledge, he briefly brings all these issues into light. Since the advice proceeds from a devilish perspective the approach is to put us into a state of confusion and emphasize what Lewis calls it "chronological Snobbery" (ref.).
(ref... "Like a good chess player he (Satan) is always trying to maneuver you into a position where you can save your castle only by losing your bishop." CSL