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
The moment good taste knows itself, some of its goodness is lost.
Interpretation
Self-awareness can diminish the intrinsic value of good taste.
C. S. Lewis suggests that when good taste becomes self-aware or overly conscious of itself, it may lose some of its inherent charm and authenticity. This idea reflects the tension between appreciation and self-reflection, suggesting that true beauty or goodness often exists in a state of simplicity and unawareness, without the burden of scrutiny.
In practice
In a discussion about art and its appreciation, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of unfiltered enjoyment.
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.
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.
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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
When I was younger I was looking for this magic meaning of life. It's very simple now. Making the lives of others better, doing something of lasting value. That's the meaning of life, it's that simple.
So the day became one of waiting, which was, he knew, a sin: moments were to be experienced; waiting was a sin against both the time that was still to come and the moments one was currently disregarding.
Tis not what man Does which exalts him, but what man Would do!
Most zombie stories, the problems they solve are not the actual zombies. The problems they solve are the human interactions.
No man is rich enough to buy back his past.
The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause.
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