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
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Friendship, like art and philosophy, isn't essential for survival but enriches our existence.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that while friendship may not be necessary for basic survival needs, it plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life. Without the companionship and joy that friendships bring, life would lack depth and fulfillment, making friendships as valuable as art and philosophy, which provide meaning beyond mere existence.
Themes
FriendshipValueLifePhilosophyArt
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of friendship at a graduation ceremony.
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.
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
Similar quotes
Goodbye, my friend, goodbye. My dear, you are in my heart. Predestined separation promises a future meeting.
Sergei YeseninRead
Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.
Publilius SyrusRead
Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.
Washington IrvingRead
A friend whom you have been gaining during your whole life, you ought not to be displeased with in a moment. A stone is many years becoming a ruby - take care that you do not destroy it in an instant against another stone.
SaadiRead
Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy things all ready made at the shops. But there is no shop anywhere where one can buy friendship, and so men have no friends any more. If you want a friend, tame me.
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad When he put on his clothes.
Oliver GoldsmithRead