“Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean and make sure your sentence couldn’t mean anything else.”
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
“Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean and make sure your sentence couldn’t mean anything else.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis advocates for clarity and precision in communication. He emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully so that the message is unambiguous and can only be interpreted in one way. This reflects his broader philosophy on the value of clear thinking and direct communication, which he saw as essential not only for intellectual work but also for personal interactions. By striving for precision in language, we ensure that our ideas are properly conveyed and not open to misinterpretation or confusion. Lewis’s focus on clarity also connects with his belief that thoughts and ideas should be coherent, as this clarity allows individuals to reason effectively and communicate truth.
Historically, Lewis, a scholar of literature and philosophy, was deeply committed to the idea that words have power and should be used responsibly. His writings, both academic and fictional, were crafted with great care to ensure that they conveyed his intended meaning without ambiguity. This approach aligns with his belief in the importance of intellectual rigor—that clear, logical thought leads to better understanding and more productive discussions. Whether writing The Screwtape Letters or his essays on faith, Lewis always aimed for a level of precision that would make his arguments accessible and unmistakable.
In the modern world, where miscommunication and information overload are common, this quote remains highly relevant. In a time of rapid digital communication and social media, where meaning can easily be distorted or misunderstood, Lewis’s advice serves as a reminder to pause and reflect before speaking or writing, ensuring that our words truly reflect what we intend. Whether in professional correspondence, personal conversations, or public discourse, clear communication fosters understanding and reduces the risk of misinterpretation, helping us engage with others more effectively and meaningfully.
