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
If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it, however helpful it might be; if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it, even if it gives him no help at all
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the relationship between truth and belief, suggesting that honesty drives one's desire for truth regardless of its utility.
C. S. Lewis presents a thought-provoking assertion about the nature of belief in Christianity, which can be applied more broadly to any truth claim. He argues that an honest individual will seek to believe what is true, valuing truth over personal benefit. If Christianity were untrue, then no truthful person would embrace it just for its perceived advantages, while if it were true, even without immediate benefits, a sincere individual would still strive to accept it because honesty compels them towards the truth.
Themes
TruthBeliefHonestyChristianityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the role of faith, this quote can highlight the importance of seeking truth over convenience.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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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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