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
I am struck here by the curious mixture of justice and injustice in our lives. We are blamed for our real faults but usually not on the right occasions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the irony of how we are often held accountable for our faults at the wrong times.
C. S. Lewis reflects on the complex and often contradictory nature of morality in human life. He suggests that while people may face blame for their genuine shortcomings, this judgment often occurs at inappropriate times, revealing a deeper conversation about fairness and timing in justice.
Themes
JusticeInjusticeFaultsTimingMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethical dilemmas during a philosophy class.
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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