In coming to understand anything we are rejecting the facts as they are for us in favour of the facts as they are. ~C. S. Lewis
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done… ~C. S. Lewis
Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it. ~C. S. Lewis
A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell. ~C. S. Lewis
A great many of those who ‘debunk’ traditional…values have in the background values of their own which they believe to be immune from the debunking process. ~C. S. Lewis
If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. ~C. S. Lewis
Whenever you find a man who says he doesn’t believe in a real Right and Wrong, you will find the same man going back on this a moment later. ~C. S. Lewis
It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to. ~C. S. Lewis
God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. ~C. S. Lewis
It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. ~C. S. Lewis
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil. ~C. S. Lewis
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. ~C. S. Lewis
An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy. ~C. S. Lewis
An explanation of cause is not a justification by reason. ~C. S. Lewis
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. ~C. S. Lewis
If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it, however helpful it might be; if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it, even if it gives him no help at all. ~C. S. Lewis
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. ~C. S. Lewis
Reality, in fact, is always something you couldn’t have guessed. That’s one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It’s a religion you couldn’t have guessed. ~C. S. Lewis
There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “All right, then, have it your way.” ~C. S. Lewis
We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive. ~C. S. Lewis
Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. ~C. S. Lewis
A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. ~C. S. Lewis
Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. ~C. S. Lewis
The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts. ~C. S. Lewis
Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. ~C. S. Lewis
Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. ~C. S. Lewis
Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. ~C. S. Lewis
Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say “infinitely” when you mean “very”; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. ~C. S. Lewis
Humans are amphibians – half spirit and half animal. As spirits they belong to the eternal world, but as animals they inhabit time. ~C. S. Lewis
If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. ~C. S. Lewis
Eros will have naked bodies; Friendship naked personalities. ~C. S. Lewis
God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. ~C. S. Lewis
I gave in, and admitted that God was God. ~C. S. Lewis
Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery’s shadow or reflection: the fact that you don’t merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief. ~C. S. Lewis
I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy. ~C. S. Lewis
Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours. ~C. S. Lewis
Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning. ~C. S. Lewis
Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. ~C. S. Lewis
Miracles do not, in fact, break the laws of nature. ~C. S. Lewis
If we cut up beasts simply because they cannot prevent us and because we are backing our own side in the struggle for existence, it is only logical to cut up imbeciles, criminals, enemies, or capitalists for the same reasons. ~C. S. Lewis
It’s so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see one. ~C. S. Lewis
The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. ~C. S. Lewis
Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith but they are afflictions, not sins. Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, our share in the passion of Christ. ~C. S. Lewis
If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair. ~C. S. Lewis
You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. ~C. S. Lewis
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. ~C. S. Lewis
The real problem is not why some pious, humble, believing people suffer, but why some do not. ~C. S. Lewis
The safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. ~C. S. Lewis
You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. ~C. S. Lewis
Joy is the serious business of Heaven. ~C. S. Lewis
God is not merely good, but goodness; goodness is not merely divine, but God. ~C. S. Lewis
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~C. S. Lewis
It still remains true that no justification of virtue will enable a man to be virtuous. ~C. S. Lewis
Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good. ~C. S. Lewis
The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it. ~C. S. Lewis
Mortal lovers must not try to remain at the first step; for lasting passion is the dream of a harlot and from it we wake in despair. ~C. S. Lewis
Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one. ~C. S. Lewis
Wherever any precept of traditional morality is simply challenged to produce its credentials, as though the burden of proof lay on it, we have taken the wrong position. ~C. S. Lewis
The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. ~C. S. Lewis
As the king governs by his executive, so Reason in man must rule the mere appetites by means of the ‘spirited element.’ ~C. S. Lewis
No doubt those who really founded modern science were usually those whose love of truth exceeded their love of power. ~C. S. Lewis
History is a story written by the finger of God. ~C. S. Lewis
Badness is only spoiled goodness. ~C. S. Lewis
This year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people. ~C. S. Lewis
Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it. ~C. S. Lewis
And then she understood the devilish cunning of the enemies’ plan. By mixing a little truth with it they had made their lie far stronger. ~C. S. Lewis
The worst attitude of all would be the professional attitude which regards children in the lump as a sort of raw material which we have to handle. ~C. S. Lewis
If you are really a product of a materialistic universe, how is it that you don’t feel at home there? ~C. S. Lewis
The more lucidly we think, the more we are cut off: the more deeply we enter into reality, the less we can think. ~C. S. Lewis
If God is satisfied with the work, the work may be satisfied with itself. ~C. S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and a prolific Christian apologist, left us with a treasure trove of wisdom encapsulated in his quotes. In this article, we’ll delve into the profound insights and musings of C.S. Lewis, exploring the themes of faith, morality, purpose, and the human condition.
Rejecting the Facts as They Are for Us in Favor of the Facts as They Are
C.S. Lewis begins our journey with a thought-provoking idea: “In coming to understand anything we are rejecting the facts as they are for us in favor of the facts as they are.” At first glance, this might seem puzzling, but Lewis is inviting us to transcend our limited perspectives. He suggests that true understanding requires us to set aside our preconceived notions and biases, embracing the unvarnished truth. It’s a call to intellectual humility, urging us to be open-minded seekers of knowledge.
Relying on God Every Day
“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done…” This quote by C.S. Lewis reminds us of the daily renewal of faith. It’s easy to become complacent in our spiritual journey, but Lewis underscores the importance of a daily, fresh reliance on God. Just as each sunrise brings a new day, every morning presents an opportunity to strengthen our connection with the divine.
Making Men Worth Dying For
“Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it.” Lewis beautifully encapsulates the Christian concept of redemption in this quote. It suggests that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was an act of profound love, aimed at elevating humanity’s worth. It challenges us to recognize our inherent value and the potential for goodness within each of us.
The Futility of Diminishing God’s Glory
“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.” This statement is a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of the divine. No matter how one might deny or reject God, it doesn’t diminish His majesty. Lewis invites us to contemplate the insignificance of our doubts in the face of God’s eternal radiance.
Debunking Values and Hidden Beliefs
“A great many of those who ‘debunk’ traditional…values have in the background values of their own which they believe to be immune from the debunking process.” Lewis keenly observes the hypocrisy that can arise when people criticize traditional values while holding their own sacred. It’s a reminder to approach moral and ethical discussions with humility and self-awareness, acknowledging our own biases and beliefs.
The Paradox of Meaninglessness
“If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.” Lewis presents a paradoxical idea here—our ability to contemplate meaninglessness implies a deeper search for meaning. It challenges us to explore the significance of existence in a seemingly indifferent universe.
The Inescapable Reality of Right and Wrong
“Whenever you find a man who says he doesn’t believe in a real Right and Wrong, you will find the same man going back on this a moment later.” Lewis highlights the universal presence of moral principles. Even those who claim moral relativism often find themselves affirming certain rights and wrongs when faced with real-life situations. It underscores the innate sense of morality that resides within us.
The Pure in Heart Shall See God
“It is safe to tell the pure in heart that they shall see God, for only the pure in heart want to.” Lewis offers a glimpse into the spiritual dimension here. He suggests that a sincere and virtuous heart is more attuned to experiencing the divine. It’s a call to purity of intent and an affirmation of the transcendent reward of seeing God’s presence in our lives.
God’s Megaphone in Our Pains
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This quote beautifully captures the idea that adversity and suffering often serve as catalysts for spiritual awakening. Lewis encourages us to listen not only to the gentle whispers of joy but also to the profound messages conveyed through our trials and tribulations.
The Necessity of Transformation
“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.” Lewis employs a vivid metaphor to depict the necessity of personal transformation. Stagnation is not an option; we must embrace change and growth to reach our full potential.
Education and Values
“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” Lewis underscores the critical role of values in education. Knowledge alone, without a strong moral compass, can lead to misuse and ethical dilemmas. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of education is not just to impart information but also to instill wisdom and virtue.
The Quest for Infinite Joy
“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” Lewis paints a vivid picture of the human condition, where we settle for lesser pleasures when boundless joy is within our reach. It encourages us to seek deeper fulfillment in life.
The Limitation of an Open Mind
“An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy.” Lewis recognizes the value of an open mind in exploring non-essential matters. However, he warns against being too open-minded when it comes to fundamental principles. It’s a reminder that some convictions are worth holding steadfastly.
Cause and Justification
“An explanation of cause is not a justification by reason.” Lewis draws a clear distinction between understanding the cause of an event and justifying it. It’s a valuable reminder that comprehending the reasons behind an action doesn’t necessarily make it morally right or acceptable.
Belief in Christianity
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Lewis expresses the profound impact of Christianity on his worldview. It’s a belief that not only illuminates his understanding of the world but also shapes his perception of reality itself.
The Honest Pursuit of Truth
“If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it, however helpful it might be; if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it, even if it gives him no help at all.” Lewis presents a rational perspective on faith. He suggests that truth should be the ultimate pursuit, and if Christianity aligns with reality, it is worth embracing, regardless of personal gain.
The Importance of Christianity
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” Lewis beautifully encapsulates the profound significance of Christianity. It’s an all-or-nothing belief system, with no room for half-hearted commitment.
The Unpredictable Nature of Reality
“Reality, in fact, is always something you couldn’t have guessed. That’s one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It’s a religion you couldn’t have guessed.” Lewis highlights the unpredictability of reality and uses it to support his faith. He suggests that the existence of Christianity, with its unique and unexpected elements, is evidence of a reality beyond human imagination.
Surrendering to God’s Will
“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.'” Lewis portrays a fundamental choice in human life—whether to submit to the divine will or stubbornly pursue one’s own path. It’s a reminder of the power of surrender and the consequences of resisting God’s guidance.
The Road to Progress
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” Lewis challenges our preconceived notions of progress. True progress, he argues, often requires a reevaluation of our direction and a willingness to backtrack when necessary.
Unanswerable Questions
“Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable.” Lewis playfully explores the idea of unanswerable questions. He suggests that some inquiries, particularly those rooted in nonsense, may not have meaningful answers. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of wisdom requires discernment in our inquiries.
The Caution of Atheistic Reading
“A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.” Lewis offers a word of caution to those who actively reject religious beliefs. He implies that exposure to certain literature or philosophical thought may challenge one’s atheism. It’s a testament to the power of ideas and their ability to shape our beliefs.
Aiming at Heaven
“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” Lewis encourages us to set our sights on loftier goals. When we strive for spiritual growth and heavenly virtues, the earthly rewards will naturally follow. It’s a reminder that a focus on the divine leads to a richer and more fulfilling life.
Educating with Purpose
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” Lewis presents a vision of education that goes beyond mere knowledge dissemination. It’s about nurturing and enriching the minds and souls of students, particularly in the arid landscapes of ignorance and indifference.
Failures as Stepping Stones
“Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.” Lewis encourages us to view failures not as dead ends but as signposts guiding us toward success. Each setback offers valuable lessons and insights that propel us forward on our journey.
Courage as the Ultimate Virtue
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” Lewis elevates courage to a pivotal virtue, suggesting that it underpins all other virtues. It’s not just the absence of fear but the willingness to act virtuously even when faced with adversity.
In the words of C.S. Lewis, we find wisdom that invites us to explore the depths of faith, morality, and the human experience. These quotes are more than mere words; they are guideposts on our own journeys of understanding and self-discovery. As we reflect on these insights, we may find ourselves drawn closer to the profound truths they contain, embarking on a quest for meaning and purpose in our lives.