“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”
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
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis highlights the non-essential nature of friendship, philosophy, and art in terms of pure survival. These things do not contribute directly to our basic needs, such as food, shelter, or safety. However, Lewis suggests that their true worth lies in the fact that they enrich life and give it meaning beyond mere existence. Friendship, like philosophy and art, adds a layer of depth, purpose, and beauty to our lives that makes the experience of survival worthwhile. Without these higher pursuits, life would be reduced to mere biological survival, lacking the qualities that elevate and make human existence truly fulfilling. Lewis argues that these elements, while not necessary for survival, are essential for living well and for giving life the value and richness that makes it more than just an existence.
Historically, Lewis often explored the role of human relationships, art, and philosophy in his works. He was particularly interested in the ways that culture and spirituality enrich human life. For him, life’s true purpose was not simply about surviving but about thriving—about engaging with the world in a way that elevates the soul. Friendship, in this context, is a reflection of selflessness and love, bringing individuals closer to the divine through shared experiences, support, and mutual care. This perspective is closely aligned with his Christian views on community and spiritual growth, where the value of relationships goes beyond what is immediately practical to encompass the eternal good.
In the modern context, this quote speaks to the often pragmatic and materialistic approach to life, where the focus is on what helps us survive or succeed. Lewis reminds us that while survival is important, it is the intangible aspects of life—friendship, art, creativity, and philosophy—that truly give meaning to our existence. These elements, although not essential for physical survival, are the very things that make life worth living, adding layers of connection, growth, and joy that go far beyond the basic instincts of survival. This quote encourages us to prioritize and cherish relationships and creative pursuits that contribute to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
