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.
Without the aid of trained emotions the intellect is powerless against the animal organism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Emotions play a crucial role in human intellect and decision-making, and without them, intellect alone cannot function effectively.
This quote by C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of emotions in guiding our intellect. It suggests that while intellectual reasoning is valuable, it is not sufficient on its own; we must also recognize and understand our emotions to navigate life effectively. The 'animal organism' refers to the instinctual part of our nature, highlighting how emotions are deeply rooted in our biology and significantly influence our thoughts and actions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on psychology, this quote can be used to highlight the interplay between emotions and rational thought.
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.
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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
Similar quotes
You must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.
'It only put me in Gryffindor,' said Harry in a defeated voice, 'because I asked not to go in Slytherin...' 'Exactly' said Dumbledore, beaming once more. 'Which makes you very different from Tom Riddle. It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.'
He could not construct for the child's pleasure the world he'd lost without constructing the loss as well and he thought perhaps the child had known this better than he.
I've learned that I must find positive outlets for anger or it will destroy me. There is a certain anger: it reaches such intensity that to express it fully would require homicidal rage--self destructive, destroy the world rage--and its flame burns because the world is so unjust. I have to try to find a way to channel that anger to the positive, and the highest positive is forgiveness.
No one should be ashamed to admit they are wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that they are wiser today than they were yesterday.
Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.