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
Before we can be cured we must want to be cured. Those who really wish for help will get it; but for many modern people even the wish is difficult.
Interpretation
What this quote means
To be helped or healed, one must truly desire it, yet many struggle to even wish for assistance.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of a genuine desire for change or healing as a prerequisite for receiving help. He suggests that while many might need support, the struggle to even acknowledge this need can prevent them from attaining it, highlighting a vital aspect of human psychology in the context of personal growth and healing.
Themes
HealingDesireHelpChangeHuman Psychology
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of wanting change.
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.
C. S. LewisRead
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. LewisRead
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
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
C. S. LewisRead
Similar quotes
You can't help but... with 20/20 hindsight, go back and say, 'Look, had we done something different, we probably wouldn't be facing what we are facing today.'
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
What is the most precious thing in the world? I see now that it is the knowledge that you have no part in injustice. Injustice is stronger than you, it always was and always will be, but let it not be done through you.
Aleksandr SolzhenitsynRead
The real destroyer of inner peace is fear and distrust. Fear develops frustration, frustration develops anger, anger develops violence.
Dalai LamaRead
Do all the other things, the ambitious things - travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes...but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.
George SaundersRead
He’s always asking: ‘Is that new? I haven’t seen that before.’ It’s like, Why don’t you mind your own business? Solve world hunger. Get out of my closet.
Michelle ObamaRead
Be a good human being, a warm-hearted affectionate person. That is my fundamental belief. Having a sense of caring, a feeling of compassion will bring happiness of peace of mind to oneself and automatically create a positive atmosphere.
Dalai LamaRead