The quotations of

C. S. Lewis

British writer, lay theologian, and scholar

1898–1963

151 quotes, most often on God, Christianity and Morality. Part of the Writers collection.

If we cut up beasts simply because they cannot prevent us and because we are backing our own side in the struggle for existence, it is only logical to cut up imbeciles, criminals, enemies, or capitalists for the same reasons.
“Vivisection” (1947), p. 227
Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst.
Reflections on the Psalms (1958), p. 32
- Religion
Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it.
Mere Christianity (1952), Book II, Chapter 5, “The Practical Conclusion”
- Christianity
In any fairly large and talkative community such as a university there is always the danger that those who think alike should gravitate together where they will henceforth encounter opposition only in the emasculated form of rumour that the outsiders say thus and thus. The absent are easily refuted, complacent dogmatism thrives, and differences of opinion are embittered by the group hostility. Each group hears not the best, but the worst, that the other group can say.
- Thinking
The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.
- Education
We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin.
The Problem of Pain
- Morality
Poetry too is a little incarnation, giving body to what had been before invisible and inaudible.
Reflections on the Psalms
- Poetry
The surest way of spoiling a pleasure is to start examining your satisfaction.
Surprised by Joy
- Happiness
No doubt those who really founded modern science were usually those whose love of truth exceeded their love of power.
The Abolition of Man
- Science
For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to reality. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men.
The Abolition of Man (1943), Ch. III
- Science
Consciousness is either inexplicable illusion, or else revelation.
The Problem of Pain
- Philosophy
We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it’s there for emergencies but he hopes he’ll never have to use it.
The Problem of Pain
- God
Regarding the debate about faith and works: It’s like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most important.
- Religion
Perfect humility dispenses with modesty.
The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (1949), “The Weight of Glory”
- Virtue
Every poem can be considered in two ways⁠—as what the poet has to say, and as a thing which he makes.
A Preface to Paradise Lost
- Poetry

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