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 proper aim of giving is to put the recipient in a state where he no longer needs our gifts...Thus a heavy task is laid upon Gift-love. It must work toward its own abdication. We must aim at making ourselves superfluous. The hour when we can say 'They need me no longer' should be our reward. But the instinct, simply in its own nature, has no power to fulfill this law.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Giving should ultimately lead to independence for the recipient, making the giver unnecessary.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that the true purpose of giving is to empower the recipient to a point where they do not rely on the giver's gifts anymore. This concept of 'Gift-love' suggests that genuine love seeks to elevate others to self-sufficiency rather than maintaining them in a state of need, making the act of giving a noble yet challenging endeavor.
Themes
GivingLoveSelflessnessEmpowermentIndependence
In practice
Example use cases
During a charity event, I reminded everyone that our goal is to help people stand on their own feet rather than keep them dependent.
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.
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
The Mask "Put off that mask of burning gold With emerald eyes." "O no, my dear, you make so bold To find if hearts be wild and wise, And yet not cold." "I would but find what's there to find, Love or deceit." "It was the mask engaged your mind, And after set your heart to beat, Not what's behind." "But lest you are my enemy, I must enquire." "O no, my dear, let all that be, What matter, so there is but fire In you, in me?"
William Butler YeatsRead
Sometimes you’re just the sweetest thing. Like Christmas, summer vacation, and a brand-new puppy rolled into one.
Haruki MurakamiRead
Harmony is pure love, for love is complete agreement.
Lope De VegaRead
Dear Valentine, I love you. Whoever you are.
Charles M. SchulzRead
Dear young people, don't be afraid to marry. A faithful and fruitful marriage will bring you happiness.
Pope FrancisRead
I just miss you, in a quite simple desperate human way. Oh my dear, I can’t be clever and stand-offish with you: I love you too much for that. Too truly.You have no idea how stand-offish I can be with people I don’t love. I have brought it to a fine art. But you have broken down my defences. And I don’t really resent it.
Vita Sackville-WestRead