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
You must ask for God's help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of seeking help and resilience in the face of failure.
C. S. Lewis encourages individuals to rely on divine support while acknowledging that results may not always be immediate. He highlights the human experience of struggle, failure, and the necessity of perseverance, suggesting that the true virtue lies in the ability to continuously strive for improvement, regardless of setbacks.
Themes
HelpFailurePerseveranceForgivenessResilience
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
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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