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
Perfect humility dispenses with modesty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True humility goes beyond mere modesty and involves a deep sense of understanding oneβs own value without the need for recognition.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that perfect humility is a profound acknowledgment of one's worth, which transcends the act of modesty. While modesty often seeks to downplay achievements to avoid drawing attention, perfect humility embodies a genuine self-awareness that does not rely on external validation or the need to appear humble. It reflects an inner perspective where a person recognizes their place in the world, leading to an authentic and selfless attitude.
Themes
HumilityModestySelf-AwarenessSelflessnessInner Value
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership workshop, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of self-awareness in leaders.
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.
C. S. LewisRead
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. LewisRead
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
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
C. S. LewisRead
Similar quotes
But then I'm one of those guys that is still a bit afraid of the telephone, its implications for conversation. I still wonder if the jukebox might be the death of live music.
Tom WaitsRead
All formal dogmatic religions are fallacious and must never be accepted by self-respecting persons as final.
HypatiaRead
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.
EpictetusRead
Ignorance is an evil weed, which dictators may cultivate among their dupes, but which no democracy can afford among its citizens.
William BeveridgeRead
It's the people who don't recognize the racism within themselves that can be the most damaging because they don't see it.
Sterling K. BrownRead
He does it with better grace, but I do it more natural.
William ShakespeareRead