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The 'frankness' of people sunk below shame is a very cheap frankness.
C. S. Lewis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Candidness that lacks moral restraint is worthless.

C. S. Lewis suggests that when individuals express their thoughts and feelings without regard for decency or shame, their honesty loses its value. True frankness is rooted in an understanding of dignity and restraint; thus, when people disregard these values, their openness can become superficial and devoid of meaning.

Themes

HonestyShameFranknessValuesDecency

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on moral integrity among friends.

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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.
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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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