C.S. Lewis, one of the most beloved authors and thinkers of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on literature and Christian thought. His works, ranging from the enchanting world of Narnia to profound explorations of faith and morality, are filled with quotes that continue to inspire and challenge readers today. Whether you’re seeking wisdom, comfort, or a fresh perspective on life, C.S. Lewis’s words have something to offer. In this blog, we’ve compiled 400 of his most memorable quotes, covering a wide range of topics including love, faith, creativity, and the human experience. Each quote is a testament to Lewis’s deep understanding of life’s complexities and his ability to articulate them in a way that resonates across generations. Dive in and let these timeless quotes inspire you, just as they have inspired millions of readers worldwide.
1: Inspirational Quotes by C.S. Lewis
Inspiration is a key element in many of C.S. Lewis’s writings. Here’s a list of quotes that will uplift your spirit and encourage you to keep pushing forward.
- You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
- Courage, dear heart.
- There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.
- We are what we believe we are.
- Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.
- You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
- Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.
- The future is something that everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.
- True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.
- Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.
- You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.
- No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.
- We meet no ordinary people in our lives.
- Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.
- Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.
- Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.
- 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.
- The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.
- There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.
- Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.
- Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.
- We are mirrors whose brightness, if we are bright, is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us.
- 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.
- There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
- Joy is the serious business of Heaven.
- When Christ died, he died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only man in the world.
- Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.
- The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.
- The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.
- Faith is the art of holding on to things despite your changing moods and circumstances.
- We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.
- The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.
- It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.
- Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.
- It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
- The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.
- 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.
- Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
- The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.
- What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.
- God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.
- The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only—and that is to support the ultimate career.
- No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.
- The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.
- The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, milestones, or signposts.
- The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.
- The Christian way is different: harder and easier. Christ says, ‘Give me All. ‘ I don’t want so much of your time, money, and work; I want You.
- If I find in myself desires that nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.
- God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
2: Love and Friendship Quotes by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis had a deep understanding of love and friendship, often reflecting on these themes in his writings. Here’s a table filled with quotes that highlight his thoughts on these important aspects of life.
51. To love at all is to be vulnerable | 56. Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s… | 61. To love at all is to be vulnerable. | 66. Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another… |
52. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… | 57. There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. | 62. Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do. | 67. Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness. |
53. Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness. | 58. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable… | 63. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid happiness there is. | 68. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… |
54. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid happiness there is. | 59. Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do. | 64. The first step to friendship is an openness towards others… | 69. The first step to friendship is an openness towards others… |
55. Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another… | 60. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them… | 65. To love at all is to be vulnerable. | 70. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them.. |
3: C.S. Lewis on Faith and Spirituality
C.S. Lewis was a devout Christian, and his quotes on faith and spirituality are some of the most profound and thought-provoking. Below are some quotes, along with their meanings, that reflect his views on these important topics.
“71. 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.”
Meaning: Lewis compares Christianity to the sun, suggesting that his faith illuminates and gives meaning to all aspects of life.
“72. Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
Meaning: This quote encourages prioritizing spiritual over earthly pursuits, as aiming for higher spiritual goals brings rewards in this life and beyond.
“73. The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
Meaning: Lewis emphasizes that God’s love transforms us, rather than being a reward for our goodness.
“74. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
Meaning: True happiness and peace can only be found in God, as they do not exist outside of Him.
“75. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
Meaning: Lewis views faith as a steadfast commitment that remains strong regardless of life’s ups and downs.
“76. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
Meaning: This quote encourages honesty in prayer, presenting our true selves to God rather than an idealized version.
“77. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
Meaning: Lewis suggests that surrendering to God allows us to become our true selves, as He knows us better than we know ourselves.
“78. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
Meaning: Awareness of our flaws is a sign of God’s work within us, prompting spiritual growth and transformation.
“79. Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
Meaning: This quote encourages humility, reminding us that our actions should reflect God’s glory rather than seeking personal recognition.
“80. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
Meaning: God’s love is constant, enduring beyond the fluctuations of human emotions.
4: Quotes on Life and Wisdom
C.S. Lewis had a unique perspective on life and wisdom, offering insights that continue to resonate with people today. Here’s a collection of quotes that reflect his deep understanding of life’s complexities.
“81. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“82. Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
“83. 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.”
“84. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
“85. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“86. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“87. What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.”
“88. We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
“89. The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
“90. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“91. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“92. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“93. No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
“94. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
“95. We are what we believe we are.”
“96. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
“97. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“98. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“99. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
“100. Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
5: C.S. Lewis on Imagination and Creativity
As the author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and many other works of fiction, C.S. Lewis had much to say about imagination and creativity. Below is a table featuring quotes that explore these themes.
101 “Imagination is the organ of meaning.”
102 “Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.”
103 “I never exactly made a book. It’s rather like taking dictation.”
104 “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it.”
105 “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
106 “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
107 “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.”
108 “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
109 “To every age its own outlook. It is good that there should be different tastes and talents.”
110 “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty.”
111 “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
112 “In reading great literature, I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.”
113 “There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious.”
114 “Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
115 “The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”
116 “I am not in love with an imaginary God.”
117 “You can make anything by writing.”
118 “A myth is a lie that conveys truth.”
119 “I was with book, as a woman is with child.”
120 “No one ever influenced Tolkien—you might as well try to influence a bandersnatch.”
6: On Suffering and Pain
C.S. Lewis experienced significant pain and suffering in his life, which is reflected in his writings. The following quotes delve into his thoughts on these difficult aspects of life.
“121. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
“122. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“123. No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”
“124. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“125. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
“126. We are what we believe we are.”
“127. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
“128. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“129. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
“130. Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
“131. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“132. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“133. We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
“134. The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
“135. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“136. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“137. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“138. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
“139. Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
“140. 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.”
7: C.S. Lewis on Education and Learning
Education was a subject close to C.S. Lewis’s heart, and he often reflected on its importance and purpose. Below is a table listing some of his most insightful quotes on education and learning.
141 “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
142 “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
143 “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
144 “We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
145 “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
146 “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
147 “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
148 “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
149 “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
150 “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
151 “The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
152 “Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
153 “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
154 “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
155 “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only—and that is to support the ultimate career.”
156 “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”
157 “The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
158 “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
159 “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
160 “The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, ‘Give me All. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.’”
8: C.S. Lewis on Truth and Morality
Truth and morality were central themes in C.S. Lewis’s writings. The following quotes offer a glimpse into his thoughts on these important topics.
“161. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“162. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
“163. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
“164. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“165. 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.”
“166. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“167. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“168. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“169. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“170. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“171. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“172. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
“173. Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
“174. No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
“175. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
“176. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
“177. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
“178. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
“179. We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
“180. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
9: C.S. Lewis on Joy and Happiness
Joy and happiness were recurring themes in C.S. Lewis’s work. He believed that joy was a glimpse of something beyond this world, a signpost to the divine. Here’s a list of quotes that explore these concepts.
“181. Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
“182. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“183. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
“184. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
“185. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
“186. We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
“187. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“188. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“189. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“190. The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
“191. 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.”
“192. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“193. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“194. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“195. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“196. No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
“197. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
“198. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“199. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
“200. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
10: C.S. Lewis on Love and Relationships
C.S. Lewis’s insights into love and relationships are both profound and practical. Below is a table listing some of his most memorable quotes on these topics.
201 “To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
202 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
203 “Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”
204 “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid happiness there is.”
205 “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another…”
206 “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s…”
207 “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
208 “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do.”
209 “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable…”
210 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
211 “The first step to friendship is an openness towards others…”
212 “Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them…”
213 “To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
214 “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another…”
215 “Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”
216 “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
217 “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable…”
218 “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do.”
219 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
220 “The first step to friendship is an openness towards others…”
11: C.S. Lewis on Writing and Literature
As a prolific author, C.S. Lewis had much to say about the craft of writing and the importance of literature. Here’s a collection of quotes that reflect his thoughts on these topics.
“221. Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it.”
“222. I never exactly made a book. It’s rather like taking dictation.”
“223. A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
“224. You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
“225. The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.”
“226. Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
“227. To every age its own outlook. It is good that there should be different tastes and talents.”
“228. No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty.”
“229. The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
“230. In reading great literature, I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.”
“231. There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious.”
“232. Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
“233. The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”
“234. I am not in love with an imaginary God.”
“235. You can make anything by writing.”
“236. A myth is a lie that conveys truth.”
“237. I was with book, as a woman is with child.”
“238. No one ever influenced Tolkien—you might as well try to influence a bandersnatch.”
“239. Imagination is the organ of meaning.”
“240. Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the organ of meaning.”
12: C.S. Lewis on Death and Eternity
C.S. Lewis had a deep understanding of the concepts of death and eternity, often reflecting on them in his writings. The following quotes delve into his thoughts on these profound topics.
“241. Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“242. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“243. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“244. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“245. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“246. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“247. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“248. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“249. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“250. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
13: C.S. Lewis on Christianity
C.S. Lewis is one of the most well-known Christian apologists of the 20th century. His quotes on Christianity continue to inspire and challenge believers around the world. Here’s a table of some of his most impactful quotes on this subject.
251 “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.”
252 “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
253 “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
254 “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
255 “Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
256 “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
257 “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
258 “It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
259 “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
260 “The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
261 “The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, ‘Give me All. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.’”
262 “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
263 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
264 “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
265 “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
266 “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
267 “We are mirrors whose brightness, if we are bright, is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us.”
268 “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.”
269 “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
270 “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
14: C.S. Lewis on Moral and Ethical Life
Moral and ethical questions are central to much of C.S. Lewis’s work. Here’s a list of quotes that reflect his deep commitment to living a moral and ethical life.
“271. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“272. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
“273. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
“274. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“275. 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.”
“276. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“277. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“278. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“279. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“280. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“281. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“282. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
“283. Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
“284. No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
“285. Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
“286. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
“287. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
“288. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
“289. We meet no ordinary people in our lives.”
“290. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
15: C.S. Lewis on God and Religion
C.S. Lewis’s faith was central to his life and work. The following quotes reflect his deep belief in God and his thoughts on religion.
“291. 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.”
“292. Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
“293. The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
“294. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“295. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
“296. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
“297. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“298. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
“299. Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
“300. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
16: On Life and Death
C.S. Lewis’s reflections on life and death are poignant and insightful. Below is a list of quotes that explore these profound themes.
“301. Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“302. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“303. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“304. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“305. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“306. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“307. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“308. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“309. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“310. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
17: On Imagination and Creativity
C.S. Lewis was a master of imagination and creativity. His thoughts on these subjects have inspired countless readers and writers. Here’s a table listing some of his most famous quotes on imagination and creativity.
18: On Friendship and Relationships
C.S. Lewis valued friendship and relationships highly, and his quotes on these topics reflect this. Below is a list of quotes that highlight his thoughts on these important aspects of life.
“321. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
“322. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
“323. Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”
“324. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid happiness there is.”
“325. Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another…”
“326. Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s…”
“327. There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
“328. Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do.”
“329. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable…”
“330. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
“331. The first step to friendship is an openness towards others…”
“332. Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them…”
“333. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
“334. Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another…”
“335. Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”
“336. There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
“337. Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable…”
“338. Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do.”
“339. Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
“340. The first step to friendship is an openness towards others…”
19: C.S. Lewis on Faith
Faith was a central theme in C.S. Lewis’s life and work. The following quotes provide insight into his deep and abiding faith.
“341. Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.”
“342. We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
“343. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“344. It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
“345. Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
“346. The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”
“347. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“348. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
“349. If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
“350. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
20: C.S. Lewis on the Power of Love
Love is a powerful force, and C.S. Lewis had much to say about it. Here’s a table listing some of his most profound quotes on love.
351 “To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
352 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
353 “Love is something more stern and splendid than mere kindness.”
354 “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid happiness there is.”
355 “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another…”
356 “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s…”
357 “There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable.”
358 “Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you do.”
359 “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable…”
360 “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…”
21: C.S. Lewis on Suffering
Suffering is a theme that C.S. Lewis explored deeply in his works. Here’s a list of quotes that delve into his thoughts on suffering and its place in the human experience.
“361. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
“362. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“363. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“364. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“365. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“366. There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
“367. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“368. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
“369. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.”
“370. The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
22: C.S. Lewis on Christian Life
C.S. Lewis’s insights into the Christian life are profound and practical. Below is a table listing some of his most memorable quotes on this subject.
371 “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.”
372 “Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”
373 “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”
374 “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
375 “Faith is the art of holding on to things despite your changing moods and circumstances.”
376 “We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.”
377 “The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
378 “It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence.”
379 “Don’t shine so that others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
380 “The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, His love for us does n.
23: On Truth and Integrity
Truth and integrity are central to C.S. Lewis’s philosophy. The following quotes reflect his deep commitment to these principles.
“381. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
“382. True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
“383. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”
“384. You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
“385. 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.”
“386. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.”
“387. The heart never takes the place of the head: but it can, and should, obey it.”
“388. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“389. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become.”
“390. The pain I feel now is the happiness I had before. That’s the deal.”
24: C.S. Lewis on the Power of Storytelling
As a master storyteller, C.S. Lewis understood the power of stories to shape our understanding of the world. Below is a table listing some of his most famous quotes on storytelling.
391 “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it.”
392 “I never exactly made a book. It’s rather like taking dictation.”
393 “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
394 “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
395 “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.”
396 “Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.”
397 “To every age its own outlook. It is good that there should be different tastes and talents.”
398 “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty.”
399 “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.”
400 “In reading great literature, I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.”
About C.S. Lewis
Who Was C.S. Lewis?
Clive Staples Lewis, more commonly known as C.S. Lewis, was a British writer, theologian, and scholar born on November 29, 1898. He is best known for his works of fiction, particularly “The Chronicles of Narnia,” a series of seven fantasy novels that have become classics of children’s literature. Lewis was also a prolific writer of Christian apologetics, with books such as “Mere Christianity,” “The Problem of Pain,” and “The Screwtape Letters” having a profound impact on Christian thought.
Early Life and Education
C.S. Lewis was born in Belfast, Ireland, and from a young age, he displayed a love for literature. He was educated at various schools in England before attending University College, Oxford. During World War I, Lewis served in the British Army, an experience that deeply influenced his later writings.
Literary Career
After the war, Lewis returned to Oxford, where he completed his degree and eventually became a fellow and tutor in English literature at Magdalen College. His academic career was marked by a deep engagement with literature, myth, and Christian thought. In addition to his fiction and apologetic works, Lewis was a prolific essayist and lecturer, known for his clarity of thought and engaging style.
Personal Life
Lewis’s personal life was marked by deep friendships, particularly with fellow writer J.R.R. Tolkien, with whom he formed the Inklings, a literary discussion group. In 1956, Lewis married Joy Davidman, an American writer and poet. Their relationship was a source of great joy and sorrow for Lewis, as Davidman died of cancer just four years later.
Legacy
C.S. Lewis’s legacy as a writer and thinker continues to grow. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. The “Chronicles of Narnia” series, in particular, has been adapted into several films, television series, and stage productions, ensuring that his stories continue to captivate new generations of readers.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis was a man of profound intellect and deep faith, whose writings continue to inspire and challenge readers around the world. Whether through his fiction, essays, or letters, Lewis’s voice remains a powerful presence in the worlds of literature and Christian thought.