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 you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True self-sufficiency arises from the recognition of one's limitations.
C. S. Lewis suggests that the awareness of our own insufficiencies is a vital aspect of personal growth. If one believes fully in their own sufficiency, it indicates a lack of understanding and humility, which are essential for wisdom and improvement. Acknowledging our limitations fosters a mindset conducive to learning and development.
Themes
Self-SufficiencyHumilityWisdomGrowthUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on personal development, one could quote C. S. Lewis to emphasize the importance of recognizing one's limitations.
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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