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
But in general, take my advice, when you meet anything that is going to be Human and isn’t yet, or used to be Human once and isn’t now, or ought to be Human and isn’t, you keep your eyes on it and feel for your hatchet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be vigilant and prepared when encountering beings or situations that lack humanity.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of being aware of the presence of humanity or the absence thereof in others and in situations. His use of 'hatchet' suggests that one should be ready to confront or address the dehumanization they witness, implying a moral responsibility to protect and uphold humanity wherever it is threatened or diminished.
Themes
HumanityVigilanceDehumanizationMoralityPreparedness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about ethical leadership in challenging times.
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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