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.
I wonder if people who asked for God to intervene in our world, really know what they are asking. Will they want to be there when God really does intervene?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the awareness of those who seek divine intervention in the world.
C. S. Lewis's quote suggests a profound contemplation on the implications of asking for God's intervention. It highlights the responsibility and potential consequences that come with such a request, prompting individuals to consider whether they truly understand the nature and extent of divine involvement in human affairs. The quote emphasizes a cautious approach to invoking higher powers, as it raises questions about human readiness to face the possible outcomes of such actions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about faith and prayer, this quote could be used to illustrate the complexities of asking for divine help.
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.
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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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We've got a thing called the 'tall poppy syndrome' in New Zealand, where if anyone is doing really well, it's quite common to try and bring them down - like, cut them down and say, 'You've been to the moon? So what? I mean, plenty of people have been to the moon.'
Tea...is a religion of the art of life.
I was not created to be occupied by eating delicious foods like tied up cattle.
I think when money starts to corrupt journalism, it undermines the journalism, and it undermines the credibility of the product, and you end up not succeeding.
Democracy was the right of the people to choose their own tyrant.
Enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil before the worst amongst you are given authority over you and then when even the best of you make dua against them, their duas will not be accepted.