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
If a man thinks he is not conceited, he is very conceited indeed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that self-awareness is crucial in recognizing one's own flaws, particularly conceit.
C. S. Lewis highlights the irony of self-deception through this quote, pointing out that individuals who consider themselves humble may actually possess a deeper level of conceit. True humility requires introspection and acknowledgment of one's limitations, while those unable to do so may be blinded by their own arrogance.
Themes
ConceitHumilitySelf-AwarenessPrideIrony
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about self-awareness at a leadership seminar.
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.
C. S. LewisRead
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
Similar quotes
We are compelled by reflection to recognize that God is not to be placed against the material world [as in Christianity], but must be placed as a 'divine power' or 'moving spirit' within the cosmos itself ... All the wonderful phenomena of nature around us, organic as well as inorganic, are only various products of one and the same original force.
Ernst HaeckelRead
Whether we're Democrats or Republicans or independents, we have to learn to hang together or we're gonna hang separately.
Parker PalmerRead
If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a life of honesty and integrity, then no king or contest or fiery furnace will be able to compromise us. For the success of the kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as witnesses for Him "at all times and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death."
Howard W. HunterRead
The human heart has a tiresome tendency to label as fate only what crushes it. But happiness likewise, in its way, is without reason, since it is inevitable.
Albert CamusRead
I think it's important to remember that people don't set their lives on fire. They don't walk away from their extraordinarily, extraordinarily comfortable lives ... for no reason.
Edward SnowdenRead
Religious faith not only lacks evidence, its independence from evidence is its pride and joy, shouted from the rooftops.
Richard DawkinsRead