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
And in truth (as I now see) I had the wish to put off my journey as long as I could. Not for any peril or labour it might cost; but because I could see nothing in the whole world for me to do once it was accomplished. AS long as this act lay before me, there was, as it were, some barrier between me and the dead desert which the rest of my life must be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a struggle with existential purpose and the fear of an empty future.
C. S. Lewis expresses a deep sense of dread regarding the completion of a significant journey or task. He reveals that the thought of fulfilling this journey brings an uncomfortable realization of the void that follows; without the journey itself, life seems barren and devoid of meaning. The quote highlights the human tendency to attach significance to tasks and the fear that once they are accomplished, life may lack direction.
Themes
JourneyLifePurposeExistentialMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about embracing life's challenges and purpose.
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
C. S. LewisRead
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