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
The good man's past begins to change so that his forgiven sins and remembered sorrows take on the quality of Heaven.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that a good personβs past can be transformed by forgiveness and the acceptance of their sorrows, leading to a state of peace and happiness.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and how it can reshape oneβs perception of the past. For a good man, the burdens of guilt and sorrow are alleviated through forgiveness, leading to a more heavenly or serene existence, showing that the emotional weight of memories can be lightened through a positive perspective.
Themes
ForgivenessSorrowTransformationHeavenPast
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming personal struggles, this quote can illustrate the power of forgiveness.
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.
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
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