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
If a man thinks he is not conceited, he is very conceited indeed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that self-awareness is crucial in recognizing one's own flaws, particularly conceit.
C. S. Lewis highlights the irony of self-deception through this quote, pointing out that individuals who consider themselves humble may actually possess a deeper level of conceit. True humility requires introspection and acknowledgment of one's limitations, while those unable to do so may be blinded by their own arrogance.
Themes
ConceitHumilitySelf-AwarenessPrideIrony
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about self-awareness at a leadership seminar.
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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No, it is not only our fate but our business to lose innocence, and once we have lost that, it is futile to attempt a picnic in Eden.
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Who are those people by whom you wish to be admired? Are they not these whom you are in the habit of saying that they are mad? What then? Do you wish to be admired by the mad?
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In Buddhism, we speak of touching Nirvana with our own body, In Christianity, you can also touch the Kingdom of God with your body, right here and now. it is much safer than placing our hope in the future. If we cling to the idea of hope in the future, we might not notice the peace and joy that are available in the present moment. The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment.
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