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
Whatever he says, let his inner resolution be not to bear whatever comes to him, but to bear it 'for a reasonable period'--and let the reasonable period be shorter than the trial is likely to last. It need not be much shorter; in attacks on patience, chastity, and fortitude, the fun is to make the man yield just when (had he but known it) relief was almost in sight.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Endure challenges with a determined spirit and remember that relief may come sooner than expected.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's inner resolve during difficult times. He suggests that rather than passively enduring trials, one should commit to facing them for a limited time, as often relief can be just around the corner, and the struggle may be a test of patience and fortitude.
Themes
EndurancePatienceResolveTrialsFortitudeRelief
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming personal challenges.
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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