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
The change which the writing wrought in me (and of which I did not write) was only a beginning; only to prepare me for the gods' surgery. They used my own pen to probe my wound.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing can transform the writer, often preparing them for deeper self-discovery and healing.
C. S. Lewis reflects on how the act of writing can initiate personal change and understanding, suggesting that his writings allowed deeper introspection and prepared him for profound, transformative experiences. The phrase 'gods' surgery' implies that this process is not always comfortable, but necessary for growth and healing, using his own words as a tool for examining and addressing his inner wounds.
Themes
ChangeWritingTransformationSelf-DiscoveryHealing
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on personal growth, the facilitator quotes C. S. Lewis to encourage writing as a tool for self-reflection.
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.
C. S. LewisRead
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
C. S. LewisRead
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
C. S. LewisRead
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
C. S. LewisRead
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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