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
If education is beaten by training, civilization dies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Training holds significant value, but without education, society may falter.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the fundamental role of education in civilization's survival. While training can impart practical skills, education fosters critical thinking, moral values, and cultural understanding, all of which are essential for a thriving society. If training overshadows education, humanity risks losing its civilizational progress and ethical foundations.
Themes
EducationTrainingCivilizationSkillSociety
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a graduation speech to highlight the importance of continuing education beyond mere vocational training.
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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