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 time when there is nothing at all in your soul except a cry for help may be just that time when God can't give it: you are like the drowning man who can't be helped because he clutches and grabs. Perhaps your own reiterated cries deafen you to the voice you hoped to hear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In times of despair, one's desperation can hinder the ability to receive help or guidance.
C. S. Lewis's quote reflects on the human condition during moments of extreme need and helplessness. It suggests that when individuals are so consumed by their cries for assistance, they may inadvertently block out the very help they seek, similar to a drowning person who struggles against rescue. This illustrates the idea that sometimes, in our desperation, we may miss the subtle support and answers that are available, urging us to find calm in our turmoil to truly listen for the assistance we desire.
Themes
HelpDesperationCryGuidanceFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational talk about overcoming despair.
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
C. S. LewisRead
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