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
Now Eros makes a man really want, not a woman, but one particular woman. In some mysterious but quite indisputable fashion the lover desires the Beloved herself, not the pleasure she can give.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that true desire is for a specific person rather than for mere physical attraction or pleasure.
C. S. Lewis articulates the profound nature of love, suggesting that genuine affection is directed towards the essence of a specific individual, rather than the superficial aspects of a romantic relationship. The quote highlights the unique bond between the lover and the Beloved, implying that the lover's desire transcends mere physical attraction and instead encompasses the admiration and yearning for the entire being of that person.
Themes
LoveDesireConnectionBelovedAffection
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding speech, one might reference this quote to express the depth of love between the partners.
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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