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.
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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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