Published in 1942, The Screwtape Letters highlighted a (fictional) senior demon, Screwtape, writing words of advice and counsel to his nephew, a junior tempter named Wormwood. Using this satirical style, author C.S. Lewis explored the tactics and strategies of temptation. Each time Screwtape praised a particular vice or criticized a virtue, Lewis was really conveying to readers that the moral opposite was the righteous path. Do the reverse of what Screwtape says, and you’ll do well.

In like manner, the approach of our Backwards Blueprint series is to advance the wrong ideas to infer that the inverted approach is the best one. This is an approach that is common in stories and teaching tools. For example, the fable of the Boy Who Cried Wolf doesn’t simply condemn lying; it underscores the importance of truth-telling by demonstrating the dire consequences of falsehood. Or pick up any dystopian novel—these tales often amplify the ideas and traits of a totalitarian society, in part to illustrate their absurdity and warn readers against supporting anything or anyone that would lead down these dark paths.

By delving deep into misguided notions, faulty principles, and detrimental behaviors, hopefully, you will better understand the wisdom of their opposite. Just as a shadow underscores the presence of light, these backward ideas will help you not only to recognize and avoid pitfalls but also to champion and embrace the virtues and truths that stand in opposition.