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Christianity Quote by C.S. Lewis

“If we are content to go back and become humble plain men obeying tradition, well. If we are ready to climb and struggle on till we become sages ourselves, better still. But the man who will neither obey wisdom in others nor adventure for her/himself is fatal. A society where the simple many obey…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““If we are content to go back and become humble plain men obeying tradition, well. If we are ready to climb and struggle on till we become sages ourselves, better still. But the man who will neither obey wisdom in others nor adventure for her/himself is fatal. A society where the simple many obey the few seers can live: a society where all were seers could live even more fully. But a society where the mass is still simple and the seers are no longer attended to can achieve only superficiality, baseness, ugliness, and in the end extinction. On or back we must go; to stay here is death.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Book: The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, 1946

Society thrives when many pursue wisdom rather than blindly follow a few elites; stagnation leads to decay.

In simple terms: Wisdom for all beats a few ruling the many.

Key Takeaway

Encourage collective learning and critical thinking.

Themes

wisdom society individualism progress danger of conformity

Mood

reflective concerned optimistic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • community discussions
  • leadership training
  • public policy
  • personal development

Key Concepts

philosophy social dynamics collective intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we foster a culture where everyone seeks wisdom?
  • What barriers prevent the many from becoming 'seers'?
A Different Perspective

If only a few hold wisdom, the masses may resist or misinterpret it.

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