“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”
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
“Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis underscores the centrality of affection in the pursuit of genuine happiness. He argues that affection, or deep, loving connection with others, is the cornerstone of lasting joy and fulfillment in life. Unlike fleeting pleasures or external successes, affection provides the stability and warmth that create lasting happiness. Whether in the form of family bonds, friendship, or romantic love, affection contributes to the foundation of a life well-lived, offering a kind of emotional security that sustains us through both joy and hardship. For Lewis, affection is not just a nice addition to life but the essential force that makes happiness meaningful and enduring.
Historically, Lewis was profoundly interested in the nature of love and relationships, both in the context of human experience and in relation to Christian teaching. In works like The Four Loves, he explores different kinds of love—affection, friendship, eros, and charity—and their role in shaping our lives. He saw affection as a particularly foundational type of love, one that nurtures and strengthens the soul. For him, true happiness arises from genuine relationships that are rooted in care and mutual understanding, not from material wealth or status.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the ongoing emphasis on emotional well-being and the importance of human connection in creating a meaningful life. In a world where success is often measured by career achievements or material possessions, Lewis’s words remind us that the deepest happiness is often found in the quality of our relationships. Whether in our families, friendships, or communities, it is affection—the simple acts of love, care, and connection—that provide the solidity and endurance of happiness, grounding us in ways that other accomplishments cannot.
