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
Literary Experience heals the wound, without undermining the privilege of individuality.. .Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literary experiences allow for personal healing while celebrating individuality.
C. S. Lewis expresses the idea that engaging with literature has a transformative power that can mend emotional wounds without erasing one's unique identity. This transcendent experience, akin to worship, love, and moral actions, highlights that true self-discovery often occurs when we connect deeply with something beyond ourselves.
Themes
LiteratureHealingIndividualityTranscendenceSelf-Discovery
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the therapeutic benefits of reading.
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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