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
If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often wait for the perfect moment to begin our work, but distractions will always be present.
C. S. Lewis points out that if we allow ourselves, we will continually postpone our responsibilities and tasks, waiting for distractions to cease before we can focus on our work. This insight emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and overcoming procrastination, suggesting that the ideal conditions to start working may never arrive, and it's up to us to take action despite distractions.
Themes
DistractionProcrastinationMotivationWorkAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming procrastination.
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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