C.S. Lewis, the British author and scholar best known for his 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, was a master at using words to illuminate life's deep questions and complex emotions. His profound understanding of human nature and spirituality has given us many inspiring quotes. Let's delve into ten of Lewis's most influential quotes.
Love: "To love at all is to be vulnerable."
In this quote, Lewis explores the vulnerability inherent in loving someone. He reminds us that love, while beautiful, also requires strength and bravery.
Change: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
With this inspirational statement, Lewis affirms that age should not be a barrier to our ambitions or dreams. He encourages us to continuously seek personal growth and fulfillment.
Faith: "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, through this quote, expresses his faith in Christianity, likening it to the sun that illuminates everything. His words reveal the profound influence of his faith on his perception of the world.
Courage: "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
Here, Lewis emphasizes the importance of courage as an underpinning of all other virtues. He posits that true virtue is tested and revealed in moments of adversity.
Friendship: "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."
Lewis highlights the intrinsic value of friendship. He compares it to art and philosophy, suggesting that while not necessary for survival, it greatly enriches our lives.
Pain: "Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
Lewis shares his perspective on pain as a mechanism for spiritual awakening. He suggests that through pain, we can hear the voice of God more clearly.
Morality: "Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it."
In this quote, Lewis emphasizes the importance of moral integrity. He encourages us to uphold our principles regardless of external influences or popular opinion.
Gratitude: "We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good; if bad, because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country."
Lewis's perspective on gratitude encourages us to appreciate both the good and bad experiences in life. He believes that adversity can cultivate virtues like patience and humility.
Learning: "Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn."
Lewis recognizes experience as a tough but effective teacher. His words remind us that even the harshest experiences carry valuable lessons.
Humility: "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less."
Lastly, Lewis offers a profound definition of humility. He suggests that humility involves shifting focus from oneself to others, rather than belittling oneself.
The wisdom encapsulated in Lewis's quotes provides a roadmap for navigating life's complexities. His eloquent words serve as a reminder of the importance of love, faith, courage, friendship, and humility in our lives.
