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
The people with very hard problems are understood by God. He knows what wretched machines they are trying to drive. Some day he will fling them away and give those people new ones; then they may astonish everyone, for they learned their driving in a hard school. Some of the last will be first and some of the first will be last.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the struggles of individuals and suggests that their hardships are recognized by a higher power, leading to eventual transformation and success.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the understanding that God has for those who face significant challenges in life. He suggests that these individuals, often seen as struggling or failing, are in a sense being prepared for greater things. Through their difficulties, they learn valuable lessons that will ultimately lead them to unexpected success and recognition. The mention of 'the last will be first' highlights the idea that societal perceptions of worth can be reversed, and those who have faced adversity may rise to prominence because of their experiences.
Themes
StruggleTransformationFaithUnderstandingAdversity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges.
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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