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
It now seemed to me that all my other guesses had been only self-pleasing dreams spun out of my wishes, but now I was awake.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a realization of the difference between fantasy and reality, highlighting a moment of awakening to truth.
C. S. Lewis expresses a profound moment of clarity where he recognizes that his past hopes and dreams were merely illusions shaped by his desires, rather than authentic aspirations. This awakening signifies an important shift in perspective, where one moves from a state of self-deception to a more grounded understanding of reality and their own aspirations.
Themes
AwakeningTruthRealityDreamsSelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of facing reality rather than living in a fantasy.
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.
C. S. LewisRead
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. LewisRead
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
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
Similar quotes
What is the most precious thing in the world? I see now that it is the knowledge that you have no part in injustice. Injustice is stronger than you, it always was and always will be, but let it not be done through you.
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynRead
People need trouble - a little frustration to sharpen the spirit on, toughen it.
William FaulknerRead
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
Nor is the people's judgment always true: the most may err as grossly as the few.
John DrydenRead
I think, if you have enough inner resources, then you can live in isolation for long periods of time and not feel diminished by it.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.
Henry Ward BeecherRead