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
Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean and make sure your sentence couldn't mean anything else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in language to accurately convey one's thoughts.
C. S. Lewis highlights the necessity of using precise language to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations. By advocating for clarity in communication, he suggests that one should strive to express thoughts in a way that cannot be easily misinterpreted, thereby fostering better understanding and dialogue.
Themes
ClarityCommunicationLanguageUnderstandingExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, a mentor might use this quote to emphasize the importance of revising for clarity.
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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