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
No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good...Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that true understanding of one's moral struggles comes from the effort to do good and resist temptation.
C. S. Lewis suggests that self-awareness regarding one's moral character is only achieved through the conscious effort to act rightly. Those who genuinely strive against their flawed inclinations gain insight into the strength of their temptations and the challenges of moral integrity.
Themes
Moral StruggleTemptationSelf-AwarenessGoodnessCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on personal growth, this quote can highlight 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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