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
One of the marks of a certain type of bad man is that he cannot give up a thing himself without wanting everyone else to give it up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A flawed individual often desires others to abandon their own pursuits as they do.
This quote by C. S. Lewis highlights a characteristic of a 'bad man' as one who not only struggles to give up something themselves but also expects others to follow suit. It speaks to the selfishness and insecurity of individuals who wish to impose their limitations onto others, revealing how personal discontent can lead to a desire for collective sacrifice, rather than personal growth or acceptance.
Themes
SelfishnessExpectationsSacrificeIndividualityIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about personal growth, one might use this quote to illustrate the dangers of projecting one's insecurities onto others.
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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