C. S. Lewis Quotes

C. S. Lewis, whose full name was Clive Staples Lewis, was a British writer and scholar. He is best known for his works of fantasy literature, including "The Chronicles of Narnia" series and "The Space Trilogy." Lewis' imaginative storytelling, allegorical themes, and philosophical insights have made him one of the most beloved and influential writers of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire readers of all ages and have left a lasting impact on the genre of fantasy literature. Lewis' contributions extend beyond fiction, as he also wrote extensively on Christian apologetics and theological topics, engaging in debates and offering perspectives on faith and reason.

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.

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.

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.

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.

Reason is the natural order of truth; but imaginat... -C. S. Lewis

Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.

There is no uncreated being except God. God has no... -C. S. Lewis

There is no uncreated being except God. God has no opposite.

Discovering the context

This quote reflects the belief that God is the only eternal and uncreated being, without any opposing force or entity. It suggests the notion of God's supreme existence and the absence of an opposite or equal counterpart. It underscores the idea of God's uniqueness and transcendence.

I gave in, and admitted that God was God.

Discovering the context

This quote suggests a personal surrender or acceptance of the existence and supremacy of God. It implies a recognition of God's authority and a willingness to submit to a higher power. It may reflect a moment of spiritual realization or an acknowledgment of one's faith.

Everyone has noticed how hard it is to turn our thoughts to God when everything is going well with us... While what we call 'our own life' remains agreeable, we will not surrender it to Him. What, then, can God do in our interests but make 'our own life' less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible sources of false happiness?

Nothing that you have not given away will ever be ... -C. S. Lewis

Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.

What we call Man's power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.

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.

The task of the modern educator is not to cut down... -C. S. Lewis

The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.

Discovering the context

Instead of limiting students' potential (symbolized by cutting down jungles), a contemporary educator's role is to nurture and nourish intellectual growth in barren or unexplored areas (symbolized by irrigating deserts) to foster knowledge and creativity.

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.

You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book lo... -C. S. Lewis

You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.

Long before history began we men have got together apart from the women and done things. We had time.

I think that all things, in their way, reflect hea... -C. S. Lewis

I think that all things, in their way, reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.

Miracles do not, in fact, break the laws of nature.

Satan, the leader or dictator of devils, is the op... -C. S. Lewis

Satan, the leader or dictator of devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael.

Discovering the context

This quote introduces a contrast between Satan and Michael, depicting them as opposing forces rather than Satan being the opposite of God. It suggests that Satan represents an antithesis to Michael, who holds a significant role in spiritual contexts. It underscores the belief in the existence of spiritual forces and the dynamics between them.

Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.