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 man who truly and disinterestedly enjoys any one thing in the world, for its own sake, and without caring two-pence what other people say about it, is by that very fact forewarmed against some of our subtlest modes of attack.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True enjoyment comes from valuing things for their own sake rather than for public approval.
C.S. Lewis conveys that when a person finds joy in something purely and selflessly, disregarding external opinions, they build a resilience against criticism and societal pressures. This intrinsic appreciation secures them against negative influences and attacks that target their passions and interests.
Themes
EnjoymentSinceritySelflessnessCriticismPassion
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing one's dreams despite societal judgment.
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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