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
Child, that is why all the rest are now a horror to her. That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. Oh, the fruit is good, but they loath it ever after.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote illustrates the consequences of indulging in desires without regard for timing or appropriateness.
C. S. Lewis conveys the idea that individuals who seek immediate gratification without understanding the right time and method for their actions may eventually come to regret their choices. The metaphor of eating fruit at the wrong time symbolizes how premature decisions can lead to lasting aversion, even toward things that were once desirable, demonstrating the importance of patience and thoughtfulness in our pursuits.
Themes
PatienceGratificationConsequencesWisdomRegret
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about making wise choices in life.
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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