> When asked by The Christian Century magazine in 1962 > "What books did most to shape your vocational attitude > and your philosphy of life?" C. S. Lewis responded > with this list: > > 1. Phantastes, by George MacDonald. > 2. The Everlasting Man, by G. K. Chesterton. > 3. The Aenied, by Virgil. > 4. The Temple, by George Herbert. > 5. The Prelude, by William Wordsworth. > 6. The Idea of the Holy, by Rudolph Otto. > 7. The Consolation of Philosophy, by Boethius. > 8. The Life of Samuel Johnson, by James Boswell. > 9. Descent into Hell, by Charles Williams. > 10. Theism and Humanism, by Arthur James Balfour. C.S. Lewis, in a letter to Sheldon Vanauken (23 Dec. 1950) wrote: "I do not think there is a *demonstrative* proof (like Euclid) of Christianity, nor of the existence of matter, nor of the good will & honesty of my best & oldest friends. I think all three are (except the second) far more probable than the alternatives. The case for Xtianity is well given by Chesterton [in *The Everlasting Man*]; and I tried to do something in my *Broadcast Talks*. As to *why* God doesn't make it demonstratively clear: are we sure that He is even interested in the kind of Theism which wd. be a compelled logical assent to a conclusive argument? Are *we* interested in it in personal matters? I demand from my friend a trust in my good faith which is *certain* without demonstrative proof. It wouldn't be confidence at all if he waited for rigorous proof. Hang it all, the very fairy-tales embody the truth. Othello believed in Desdemona's innocence when it was proved: but that was too late. Lear believed in Cordelia's love when it was proved: but that was too late. 'His praise is lost who stays till all commend.' The magnanimity, the generosity wh. will trust on a reasonable probability, is required of us. But supposing one believed and was wrong after all? Why, then you wd. have paid the universe a compliment it doesn't deserve. Your error wd. even be so more interesting & important than the reality. And yet how cd. that be? How cd. an idiotic universe have produced creatures whose mere dreams are so much stronger, better, subtler than itself?"