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
Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A person's true character is revealed in unexpected situations.
This quote by C. S. Lewis suggests that the most authentic reflection of an individual's nature is displayed when they are caught off guard or in an unguarded moment. It implies that people's reactions in spontaneous circumstances often reveal their true selves, regardless of how they may present themselves in more controlled situations.
Themes
CharacterTruthAuthenticityReactionNature
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about integrity, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of true character.
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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