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
We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world....No doubt pain as God's megaphone is a terrible instrument; it may lead to final and unrepented rebellion. But it gives the only opportunity the bad man can have for amendment. it removes the veil; it plants the flag of truth within the fortress of the rebel soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Pain demands our attention, serving as a crucial signal for reflection and change.
This quote by C. S. Lewis emphasizes that while we may overlook pleasure, pain cannot be ignored; it serves as a powerful communicator from God, urging us to confront our inner truths. Lewis suggests that pain can be both a source of suffering and an opportunity for growth, as it brings clarity and can inspire a change of heart in those who struggle. Thus, pain acts as a wake-up call for our soul, prompting us to seek redemption and understanding.
Themes
PainGrowthTransformationTruthRedemptionSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience during tough times.
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.
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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
C. S. LewisRead
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