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
"Don't bother too much about your feelings. When they are humble, loving, brave, give thanks for them; when they are conceited, selfish, cowardly, ask to have them altered. In neither case are they you, but only a thing that happens to you. What matters is your intentions and your behavior
Interpretation
What this quote means
Feelings are transient and do not define who you are; focus instead on your intentions and actions.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that our feelings, whether they are positive or negative, do not define our true selves. Instead of letting emotions dictate our identity, we should strive to understand that they are simply experiences we encounter. The focus should be on what we intend to do and how we behave, as these reflect our true character and purpose in life.
Themes
FeelingsIntentionsBehaviorWisdomSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on emotional intelligence, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of understanding one's emotions.
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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