“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.”
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
“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.”
Explanation
In this quote, C. S. Lewis reflects on the idea of true ownership and the nature of generosity. He suggests that the things we hold onto most tightly—whether material possessions, wealth, or even our time and energy—are not truly ours in a meaningful or lasting sense. True possession, according to Lewis, comes not from accumulating or hoarding, but from giving away. The act of giving—whether through charity, love, or self-sacrifice—reveals that what we possess in this world is fleeting and that the true value of what we have lies in how we use it for the good of others. In this sense, giving liberates us from the attachment to material goods and helps us recognize what really matters, which is often the relationships, memories, and experiences we create by sharing with others.
Lewis’s concept of giving away ties into his broader Christian philosophy, where he emphasized that selfishness and the accumulation of wealth or status are barriers to spiritual fulfillment. He often pointed out that the self-centered pursuit of material goods does not bring lasting satisfaction, whereas selflessness and generosity are the ways to experience true joy and richness in life. This teaching aligns with biblical principles, particularly the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of giving and serving others as a path to true life. For Lewis, giving away reflects the essence of Christian love, where the focus is not on self-interest, but on the well-being of others and the eternal rewards of living selflessly.
In the modern context, this quote encourages a shift in perspective from the prevalent consumer culture, which often defines success by what one accumulates or possesses. Whether in terms of wealth, status, or material goods, many people today are driven by the desire for more. Lewis’s words serve as a reminder that real fulfillment is not found in accumulation, but in sharing and giving. Whether it’s our resources, talents, or time, what we choose to give away and share with others becomes the true measure of what we own—something far more lasting and meaningful than the temporary possessions we try to hold onto.
