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
When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him. When a man is getting worse he understands his own badness less and less.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Personal growth involves recognizing one's flaws, while decline leads to ignorance of them.
C. S. Lewis highlights the idea that self-improvement is rooted in an increasing awareness of one's shortcomings. As individuals strive for betterment, they become more conscious of their inner struggles and flaws. Conversely, those who are regressing tend to overlook or deny their own negative traits, leading to a lack of self-awareness and accountability.
Themes
Self-ImprovementAwarenessGrowthBadnessEvilUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a self-help seminar to emphasize the importance of self-awareness.
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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