“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
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
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
Explanation
In this playful and humorous quote, C. S. Lewis expresses his love for two of life’s simple pleasures—tea and books—and his insatiable appetite for both. The quote suggests that no matter how much of these comforts are offered, they will always be insufficient because his desire for them is limitless. For Lewis, tea and books represent not only physical comforts but also intellectual and emotional nourishment. The quote conveys a sense of yearning for something that can never be fully satisfied, highlighting both a deep enjoyment and a playful exaggeration of the pursuit of contentment. It reflects a personality that is at once humble and unpretentious, finding joy in simple things but acknowledging that their pleasures are never quite enough.
Historically, this quote also speaks to Lewis’s own deep engagement with the intellectual life. As a scholar and a writer, he was known for his vast reading habits and his enjoyment of books as sources of both knowledge and imagination. His love for reading was a central part of his identity, and in many of his writings, he celebrates the power of books to enrich the mind and open new worlds. The mention of tea also reflects a more personal side of his character—his fondness for routine and the comforting, relaxing ritual of a good cup of tea, something that was common in his daily life.
In the modern context, this quote can resonate with anyone who has a passion for learning, reading, or finding solace in the simple pleasures of life. It humorously reminds us that certain pleasures, whether intellectual or sensory, can feel endless—we always want more, not because they are lacking but because they are so enjoyable. Whether it’s books, food, or other pursuits, the quote reflects a kind of joyful contentment with the things we love, even as we recognize that they can never fully satisfy all our desires. It invites us to appreciate the richness of simple pleasures while acknowledging their fleeting nature—a sentiment that resonates in our often busy, goal-oriented lives.
