C.S. Lewis Describes the Perfect Day

The following comes from Lewis as he describes his ideal day in his book Surprised by Joy. He describes it as a selfish (though not self-centered) day and says that he has been prevented from this kind of day most of the time . . . for his own good. Enjoy!

1. Breakfast at exactly eight and to be at his desk by nine
2. Read and write until 1:00 pm, with a good cup of tea or coffee at 11:00 am,

"A step or so out of doors for a pint of beer would not do quite so well, for a man does not want to drink alone . . ."

3. Lunch at precisely 1:00 pm
4. "On the road" (Going for a walk) by 2:00 pm - "not with a friend." Walking and talking are two very great pleasures, but it is a mistake to combine them. Our own noise blots out the sounds and silences of the outdoor world; and talking leads almost inevitably to smoking. and then farewell to nature as far as one of our senses is concerned."

5. Tea at no later than a quarter past four. This is a meal in the British world, not a cuppa.

"Tea should be taken in solitude . . . for eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably." Lewis recommends gossipy, formless books for reading while eating-- such as
a. a translation of Herodotus
b. Lang's History of English literature
c. The Anatomy of Melancholy
HUH?? nice light reading for mealtime!

6. Back to Work at 5:00 until 7:00
7. Evening meal at 7:00 and now is the time for talking! If not, then more light reading

8. "Unless you are making a night of it with your cronies there is no reason why you should ever be in bed later than eleven."