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
If we did not bring to the examinations of our instincts a knowledge of their comparative dignity we could never learn it from them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding our instincts requires awareness of their value and importance.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the necessity of analyzing our instincts with a framework of knowledge regarding their significance. Without a comparative understanding of what is valuable and dignified in our instincts, self-discovery and true learning from them would be impossible.
Themes
InstinctsKnowledgeDignitySelf-DiscoveryLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy lecture on moral reasoning, one might say this quote to stress the importance of self-reflection.
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
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