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
In the midst of a world of light and love, of song and feast and dance, [Lucifer] could find nothing to think of more interesting than his own prestige.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights self-absorption and the inability to appreciate the beauty around oneself.
C. S. Lewis uses this quote to illustrate a profound insight about the nature of pride and self-importance. In a world abundant with joy and connection, the character Lucifer is so consumed by his own prestige that he fails to recognize or appreciate the richness of life unfolding around him. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of egotism, as one may miss out on the deeper meanings and experiences that life offers.
Themes
PrideSelf-AbsorptionAppreciationLifeWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to illustrate the importance of humility and awareness.
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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If there is one thing that I take pride in, it is the fact that I never, ever make a charge without offering a substantial amount of support for it. You may ultimately end up not agreeing with me, but you will have to concede that I offered much evidence in support of my position, something that people frequently do not do.
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Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever's going. Not against: with.
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Abandon cleverness, discard profit, and thieves and robbers will disappear.
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Meditation is not about getting out of ourselves or achieving something better. It is about getting in touch with what you already are.
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