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 →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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