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.
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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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