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
In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. Unless you know God as that-and, therefore, know yourself as nothing in comparison-you do not know God at all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the idea that recognizing the greatness of God also allows individuals to understand their own limitations.
In this quote, C. S. Lewis is presenting the idea that true knowledge of God involves recognizing His supreme greatness and realizing one's own relative insignificance in comparison. This acknowledgment is essential for a proper understanding of God, as it leads to humility and a clear perspective on one's place in the universe.
Themes
GodHumilitySelf-AwarenessGreatnessPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about spirituality and self-discovery.
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.
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
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