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
Joy is the serious business of heaven. Our merriment must be between people who take each other seriously.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True joy is a profound aspect of existence that connects deeply with relationships.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that joy is not a trivial matter but a significant and earnest part of life, particularly in the divine context of heaven. He suggests that genuine happiness arises from sincere interactions among individuals who respect and value one another, highlighting the importance of meaningful relationships in experiencing true joy.
Themes
JoyHappinessRelationshipsSeriousnessMerriment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a wedding toast to highlight the importance of joyful yet serious love.
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.
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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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