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
Hatred obscures all distinctions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hatred clouds our judgment and prevents us from seeing things clearly.
C. S. Lewis suggests that when we are consumed by hatred, we lose the ability to discern the nuances in situations and people. Hatred tends to generalize and simplify complex issues, leading to a narrow perspective that overlooks the complexities and distinctions that are vital for understanding and compassion.
Themes
HatredJudgmentDistinctionsCompassionUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on the importance of empathy in conflict resolution, one might quote Lewis to highlight the dangers of hatred.
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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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