“A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride.”
Image credits：Aronsyne,”Lewis, age 48″,CC BY-SA 4.0,C.S.-Lewis – C. S. Lewis – Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- November 29, 1898 – November 22, 1963
- Born in Ireland
- Writer, scholar
- Had a major influence on fantasy literature and religious thought through his many works, including the Chronicles of Narnia series and The Poetics of Christianity
Quote
“A man who is eating or lying with his wife or preparing to go to sleep in humility, thankfulness and temperance, is, by Christian standards, in an infinitely higher state than one who is listening to Bach or reading Plato in a state of pride.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis emphasizes the importance of humility, thankfulness, and temperance over intellectual or artistic achievements when it comes to moral and spiritual standing. Lewis is arguing that, according to Christian principles, the state of a person’s heart is far more important than their actions or external pursuits, even if those pursuits are as lofty as listening to classical music or studying philosophy. In Christian thought, virtues like humility and gratitude are seen as foundational to one’s relationship with God and others. A person who practices these virtues in everyday, mundane activities—like eating, spending time with their spouse, or preparing for sleep—is in a higher spiritual state than someone who might engage in intellectual or cultural pursuits but does so with pride or self-centeredness.
Lewis’s point is rooted in the Christian concept of moral character and the intentions behind actions, rather than the actions themselves. Historically, this perspective challenges the Greek philosophical tradition that often emphasized intellectual and aesthetic achievement as a sign of virtue. In contrast, Christianity often teaches that true greatness is found in humble service, self-control, and a right relationship with God. Lewis himself, as a convert to Christianity, came to value these Christian virtues more than worldly pursuits, understanding them as necessary for spiritual fulfillment and a life aligned with divine will.
In the modern context, this quote can be seen as a critique of achievement culture, where intellectual and artistic success are often placed above simple acts of virtue and care for others. Lewis’s insight invites us to reconsider what we value as a measure of success or worth. A person may be highly accomplished in intellectual, cultural, or creative spheres, but if they are driven by pride or self-interest, they fall short of the higher spiritual standards that Lewis advocates. True fulfillment, according to this view, is found not in intellectual pursuits or material success, but in cultivating a humble and virtuous character in everyday life.
