A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that discovering the lack of meaning in the universe implies that there is, in fact, a deeper meaning to explore.
C. S. Lewis presents an argument against atheism by noting that the very act of recognizing the universe's lack of inherent meaning suggests a paradox. If everything were truly meaningless, we would not possess the consciousness or insight to question meaning itself, indicating that there might be a greater significance behind our existence and experiences.
Themes
AtheismMeaningPhilosophyExistenceInsight
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about the meaning of life, I could quote Lewis to highlight the complexity of belief.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how then with deadlier facts, not dreams of doting men? Those whom books will hurt will not be proof against events. Events, not books should be forbid.
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