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
There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious. It is too good to waste on jokes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness can invoke a sense of seriousness, indicating its profound nature.
C. S. Lewis suggests that genuine moments of happiness and wonder are so significant that they demand our seriousness and attention. Instead of trivializing these moments with jokes, he encourages us to appreciate the depth and richness of such experiences, recognizing their value in our lives.
Themes
HappinessWonderSeriousnessExperienceAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of valuing meaningful experiences.
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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