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
I know all about the despair of overcoming chronic temptation. It is not serious, provided self-offended petulance, annoyance at breaking records, impatience, etc., don't get the upper hand. No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep picking ourselves up each time...The only fatal thing is to lose one's temper and give up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overcoming persistent challenges is possible if we remain resilient and don't let frustration take control.
C.S. Lewis highlights the struggle against chronic temptation and the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks. He suggests that while we may stumble repeatedly, what truly matters is our ability to rise after each fall. Losing our temper and surrendering to despair is the only real defeat, as persistence is key to overcoming life's challenges.
Themes
ResiliencePersistenceOvercomingTemptationCourage
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about resilience in the face of adversity.
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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