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Now, if we are made for heaven, the desire for our proper…

“Now, if we are made for heaven, the desire for our proper place will be already in us, but not yet attached to the true object, and will even appear as the rival of that object […] If a transtemporal, transfinite good is our real destiny, then any other good on which our desire fixes must be in…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““Now, if we are made for heaven, the desire for our proper place will be already in us, but not yet attached to the true object, and will even appear as the rival of that object […] If a transtemporal, transfinite good is our real destiny, then any other good on which our desire fixes must be in some degree fallacious, must bear at best only a symbolical relation to what will truly satisfy.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True fulfillment comes from aligning desire with a transcendent, ultimate good, not with lesser, symbolic objects.

In simple terms: Seek the ultimate good, not temporary symbols.

Key Takeaway

Align desires with higher purpose.

Themes

spirituality desire transcendence philosophy

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • religious practice
  • ethical decision‑making
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

metaphysics symbolic relation ultimate destiny

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “true destiny” mean to you?
  • How can you recognize symbolic versus genuine aspirations?
A Different Perspective

Human tendency to cling to tangible goals can distract from deeper purpose.

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