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
Solemnity is proper in church, but things that are proper in church are not necessarily proper outside, and vice versa. For example, I can say a prayer while washing my teeth, but that does not mean I should wash my teeth in church.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the distinction between appropriate behavior in different contexts.
C. S. Lewis highlights that societal norms and expectations vary depending on the setting. He suggests that while certain practices, such as prayer, can occur anywhere, the context in which we perform actions influences their appropriateness. This reflection encourages individuals to consider the relevance of behavior based on their surroundings and the cultural or situational standards that apply.
Themes
ContextAppropriatenessBehaviorSocietyNorms
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on etiquette at a social gathering, one might reference this quote to illustrate how behavior should adapt to context.
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.
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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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