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
I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that generosity should exceed what is comfortable, as true giving requires sacrifice.
C. S. Lewis expresses the idea that determining an exact amount of generosity is challenging, and instead, one should aim to give beyond their comfortable limits. This perspective encourages deeper reflection on the essence of giving and the importance of being willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others, suggesting that true generosity is rooted in selflessness rather than calculating benefits.
Themes
GenerosityGivingSacrificeSelflessnessPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a charity event, this quote could be used to inspire attendees to contribute more than they initially planned.
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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