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
'Good English' is whatever educated people talk; so that what is good in one place or time would not be so in another.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The definition of 'good English' varies across different cultures and time periods.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that the standards of 'good English' are not fixed, but rather depend on the linguistic practices of educated individuals in specific contexts. This reflection illustrates the dynamic nature of language and stresses that what is considered proper or correct can change over time and between different communities.
Themes
LanguageEducationCommunicationCultureDynamics
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion about linguistic diversity, this quote can highlight the importance of understanding different English dialects.
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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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