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 moment good taste knows itself, some of its goodness is lost.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-awareness can diminish the intrinsic value of good taste.
C. S. Lewis suggests that when good taste becomes self-aware or overly conscious of itself, it may lose some of its inherent charm and authenticity. This idea reflects the tension between appreciation and self-reflection, suggesting that true beauty or goodness often exists in a state of simplicity and unawareness, without the burden of scrutiny.
Themes
Good TasteSelf-AwarenessAuthenticityPhilosophyValue
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about art and its appreciation, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of unfiltered enjoyment.
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.
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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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