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
Those of us who are blamed when old for reading childish books were blamed when children for reading books too old for us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
C.S. Lewis reflects on the nature of reading and the judgments we face at different stages of life.
This quote by C.S. Lewis highlights the paradox of societal expectations regarding reading materials. It suggests that individuals may be criticized regardless of their choices—be it for reading books deemed too childish or too mature—pointing to the subjective nature of what is considered appropriate reading for different age groups. Ultimately, it champions the idea that reading should not be confined by age norms, but embraced for its joy and personal enrichment.
Themes
ReadingBooksChildhoodJudgmentEducation
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher might use this quote to encourage students to explore a variety of genres regardless of age conventions.
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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