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
Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that true fulfillment and value cannot be found for those who are only motivated by selfish gains.
C. S. Lewis's quote, 'Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire,' implies that individuals who are primarily driven by materialistic or selfish motives will find no true satisfaction or spiritual reward. It encourages introspection about one’s desires and motivations, emphasizing that genuine aspirations must transcend greed and personal gain for one to truly embrace intrinsic values, especially those associated with heavenly or ethereal ideals.
Themes
HeavenMercenarySoulDesireValuesSelfishness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a philosophy class to discuss the nature of desire.
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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