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
This is where men, even the trustiest, fail us. Their heart is never so wholly given to any matter but that some trifle of a meal, or a drink, or a sleep, or a joke, or a girl, may come in between them and it, and then (even if you are a queen) you'll get no more good out of them until they've had their way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Even the most loyal individuals can be distracted by simple pleasures, impacting their commitment.
C. S. Lewis highlights how even the most dependable individuals can be swayed by basic desires and distractions such as food, drink, sleep, humor, or romance. This reflection emphasizes the inherent limitations in human focus and devotion, suggesting that complete commitment is often elusive, especially when trivial needs overshadow more significant responsibilities.
Themes
CommitmentDistractionLoyaltyHuman NatureRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the challenges of maintaining focus in relationships.
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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