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
Oh, Adam’s sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good!
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights human tendencies to resist beneficial changes or truths.
C. S. Lewis's quote reflects on the paradox of humanity's self-defense mechanisms that often shield us from acknowledging what could truly benefit us. It suggests that people may cleverly rationalize or defend against challenges that could lead to personal growth, hence the irony that we protect ourselves from opportunities for improvement.
Themes
DefenseGoodHumanityGrowthChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
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
If you wouldn't live long, live well; for folly and wickedness shorten life.
Benjamin FranklinRead
If you come on a band tense, you're going to play tense. If you come a little bit foolish, act just a little bit foolish, and let yourself go, better ideas will come.
Charlie ParkerRead
Virtue knows that it is impossible to get on without compromise, and tunes herself, as it were, a trifle sharp to allow for an inevitable fall in playing.
Samuel ButlerRead
View the past as your enemy, and it will be an albatross. _x000D_ View it as your friend, and it will give you wings.
Alan CohenRead
What is discipline? Discipline means creating an order within you. As you are, you are a chaos.
RajneeshRead
Although violence and the use of force may appear powerful and decisive, their benefits are short-lived. Violence can never bring a lasting and long term resolution to any problem, because it is unpredictable and for every problem it seems to solve, others are created. On the other hand, truth remains constant and will ultimately prevail.
Dalai LamaRead