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
It doesn't really matter whether you grip the arms of the dentist's chair or let your hands lie in your lap. The drill drills on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It emphasizes that certain situations are beyond our control, regardless of our response.
C. S. Lewis's quote reflects on the nature of inevitable experiences and our reactions to them. It illustrates that whether we resist or accept discomfort, the reality of the situation remains unchanged, highlighting the futility of trying to control every aspect of our lives and the importance of acceptance.
Themes
ControlAcceptanceDiscomfortInevitableReaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing fears and accepting challenges.
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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