“This is one of the miracles of love: It gives a power of seeing through its own enchantments and yet not being disenchanted.”
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
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Quote
“This is one of the miracles of love: It gives a power of seeing through its own enchantments and yet not being disenchanted.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis explores the paradoxical nature of love—how it allows a person to see the flaws or imperfections in their loved one, and yet still maintain a sense of wonder and affection. Lewis describes love as a miracle because it gives people the ability to look beyond the superficial allure or enchantment that often accompanies romantic attraction, and yet still feel deeply connected and committed. In other words, love is not blind; it involves a clear-eyed understanding of the reality of a person or relationship. However, even when the initial romantic idealism fades, love does not become disillusioned or fall apart. Instead, it can evolve into something deeper and more enduring, where both the strengths and weaknesses of the partner are embraced without losing affection.
Historically, Lewis’s writings often explored the complexity of love, particularly the Christian view of love as a choice and commitment rather than just a fleeting emotion. He believed that genuine love could persist even after the enchantment of early passion fades, and that it often matures into a more solid and sustaining bond. This quote aligns with Lewis’s broader philosophy on love, seen in works like The Four Loves, where he distinguishes between the fleeting nature of romantic love (eros) and the more enduring love found in friendship, family, and self-sacrifice.
In the modern context, this quote is relevant to our understanding of long-term relationships. In an age where love is often idealized as something that should be perfect or all-consuming, Lewis’s insight encourages us to embrace the reality of love—that it involves imperfection and requires effort to maintain. Seeing through the “enchantment” of love allows us to appreciate our partners for who they truly are, while still feeling deep affection and connection. This quote highlights that the miracle of love is not in its flawless beginning but in its ability to endure, even when faced with the inevitable realities of life.
