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
That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is out chance to chose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly ethical ones, before time runs out.
C. S. Lewis suggests that our current moment serves as a crucial opportunity to assess and affirm the choices we have made regarding our values and beliefs. The urgency in his words highlights the idea that we cannot remain passive; instead, we must actively decide which path to take, as this chance is transient and will not be available indefinitely. The mention of 'God holding back' implies a divine patience that allows us the space to choose wisely before facing the consequences of our decisions.
Themes
ChoicesDecisionsUrgencyValuesPath
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker could use this quote in a presentation about making impactful life choices.
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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