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
A myth is a lie that conveys a truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A myth may be fictional, but it often reveals deeper truths about human nature and existence.
C. S. Lewis's quote suggests that while myths may not be factually true, they communicate important truths about life, values, and human experiences. Myths serve as a lens through which we can understand complex ideas and emotions, often resonating with universal human experiences that convey deeper meanings beyond the surface narrative.
Themes
MythTruthNarrativeHuman ExperiencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the significance of ancient tales in shaping cultural values.
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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I think one of the great historical contributions of science is to weaken the hold of religion. That's a good thing.
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I saw a huge steam roller, It blotted out the sun. The people all lay down, lay down; They did not try to run. My love and I, we looked amazed Upon the gory mystery. "Lie down, lie down!" the people cried. "The great machine is history!" My love and I, we ran away, The engine did not find us. We ran up to a mountain top, Left history far behind us. Perhaps we should have stayed and died, But somehow we don't think so. We went to see where history'd been, And my, the dead did stink so.
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