Children Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Lightly men talk of saying what they mean. Often when he was teaching me to write in Greek the Fox would say, “Child, to say the very thing you really mean, the whole of it, nothing more or less or other than what you really mean; that’s the whole art and joy of words.” A glib saying. When the time comes to you at which you will be forced at last to utter the speech which has lain at the centre of your soul for years, which you have, all that time, idiot-like, been saying over and over, you’ll not talk about joy of words.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Writing (Collected Essays), 1960
True expression requires aligning words exactly with inner meaning; the joy of language is lost when we speak without authentic conviction.
In simple terms: Speak what you truly mean, not just words.
Key Takeaway
Seek authenticity in speech and writing.
Themes
communication
authenticity
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
literary
motivational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- teaching
- personal writing
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
truth
art of language
self‑expression
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you spoken without feeling?
- What steps help you align words with inner truth?
A Different Perspective
People often prioritize style over substance, diluting impact.
