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
Real joy seems to me almost as unlike security or prosperity as it is unlike agony.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True joy is distinct from both material wealth and severe suffering.
In this quote, C. S. Lewis expresses the idea that genuine joy is a profound experience that stands apart from mere feelings of safety or affluence, and it also differs fundamentally from pain or agony. Joy transcends these concepts, suggesting that it is a deeper and more fulfilling state of being that comes from within, rather than from external circumstances.
Themes
JoyHappinessSecurityProsperitySuffering
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding true happiness beyond material possessions.
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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To be kind, honest and have positive thoughts; to forgive those who harm us and treat everyone as a friend; to help those who are suffering and never to consider ourselves superior to anyone else: even if this advice seems rather simplistic, make the effort of seeing whether by following it you can find greater happiness.
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