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.
Be confident small immortals. You are not the only voice that all things utter, nor is there eternal silence in the places where you cannot come.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote encourages individuals to have confidence in their contributions, suggesting that every voice matters in the larger scheme of existence.
C. S. Lewis's quote highlights the importance of self-confidence and the acknowledgment that every individual's voice has significance. It reassures us that we are not alone in our thoughts and expressions, and even when we feel isolated or unheard, there is a symphony of voices contributing to the greater understanding of existence. This message stands as a reminder to value our unique perspectives and recognize that silence is not the only truth.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a motivational speech to inspire students to express their ideas.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes βI 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.
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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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... he preferred his own madness, to the regular sanity. He rejoiced in his own madness, he was free. He did not want that old sanity of the world, which was become so repulsive. He rejoiced in the new-found world of his madness. It was so fresh and delicate and so satisfying.
And I'm not a student of religion, but I don't find anything in what the principal teachings of Islam that put us in contradiction at all. In fact, the principles are the same as what-we have a diverse religious culture. But it's kindness, it's be good to your neighbor, it's love, and it's take care of children. It's all these things that-so there's no anti-Islam.
Perhaps weβve never been visited by aliens because they have looked upon earth and decided thereβs no sign of intelligent life.
Sin contains its own judgement and punishment.
The rash assertion that "God made man in His own image" is ticking like a time bomb at the foundation of many faiths.