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
A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True fulfillment comes from humility and gratitude in everyday actions, rather than pride in intellectual pursuits.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that moral and spiritual integrity in simple, daily activities holds greater value than prideful engagement with high art or philosophy. In Christian philosophy, humility, thankfulness, and temperance in even the most mundane aspects of life elevate a person's state of being far beyond that achieved through intellectual accomplishments, which may come with arrogance.
Themes
HumilityThankfulnessTemperancePrideSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on the importance of gratitude in everyday life, this quote can remind us that our daily actions matter.
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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