“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”
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
“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis suggests that the key to achieving both spiritual fulfillment and earthly success is to prioritize the eternal over the temporary. By “aiming at heaven”—or focusing on higher, spiritual goals, such as love, virtue, and divine purpose—one inadvertently finds that the things of this world, including material well-being and personal happiness, are often added or enhanced in the process. However, if one solely focuses on achieving earthly success or material desires, without consideration for the spiritual dimension, one may find that they achieve neither lasting fulfillment nor genuine success. Lewis is emphasizing that spiritual priorities guide and elevate our earthly pursuits, while materialism alone cannot lead to true satisfaction or purpose.
Historically, Lewis wrote this during a period of rapid change and material progress in the West, particularly after World War II. The world was focused on rebuilding, technological advancements, and economic success, but Lewis, through this quote, challenges the cultural emphasis on earthly pursuits. He was concerned that a focus solely on the material world would ultimately leave people unfulfilled, because it ignored the deeper, spiritual aspects of existence. For Lewis, the long-term satisfaction of focusing on eternal values provided a more solid foundation for a meaningful life, where earthly concerns are seen in perspective.
In modern times, this quote continues to resonate, particularly in a society that often emphasizes achievement, material success, and self-interest. In a world where people frequently aim for career advancement, wealth, or popularity as their primary goals, Lewis’s words encourage a reorientation toward spiritual or meaningful goals—such as service to others, personal growth, or a connection with something transcendent. This doesn’t mean neglecting the world or earthly responsibilities, but recognizing that when we prioritize what is eternal, the rewards of this life may follow in a more fulfilling, holistic way.
