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
It is because they have no Oyarsa,' said one of the pupils. It is because everyone of them wants to be a little Oyarsa himself,' said Augray.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the desire for power and control that individuals often seek, indicating a common trait of wanting to be in charge or influential.
C. S. Lewis, through this dialogue, highlights a philosophical observation about human nature and the innate desire for influence and status. The mention of 'Oyarsa' symbolizes a higher authority or being, while the longing to be a 'little Oyarsa' suggests how people may wish to emulate that power for themselves, shedding light on the complexities of ambition and the motivations that drive individuals in their pursuits.
Themes
PowerControlAmbitionInfluenceHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about leadership qualities, this quote can illustrate our natural desire for authority.
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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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