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
If the world is meaningless, then so are we; if we mean something, we do not mean alone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote implies that individual significance is derived from our connections with others, suggesting that meaning is relational.
C.S. Lewis articulates a profound philosophical perspective on meaning and existence. He suggests that if the world lacks inherent meaning, then our lives are also devoid of significance. However, he counters this notion by stating that if we are to hold any meaning, it must be understood that it is shared in connection with others. This emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in giving our lives purpose and significance.
Themes
MeaningRelationshipsExistenceSignificanceCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech about the importance of teamwork.
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
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