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 moral sphere, every act of justice or charity involves putting ourselves in the other person's place and thus transcending our own competitive particularity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding others in moral actions.
C. S. Lewis highlights that true justice and charity require us to step outside of our own perspectives and consider the experiences and feelings of others. By doing so, we can rise above our instinctive competitiveness and become more compassionate and fair individuals.
Themes
EmpathyJusticeCharityUnderstandingPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of empathy in community service.
More from C. S. Lewis
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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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