Cup of tea Quote by C.S. Lewis
““She is always turning from what has been offered her to say with a demure little sigh and a smile ‘Oh please, please…all I want is a cup of tea, weak but not too weak, and the teeniest weeniest bit of really crisp toast.’ You see? Because what she wants is smaller and less costly than what has been set before her, she never recognises as gluttony her determination to get what she wants, however troublesome it may be to others.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, 1942
She prefers modest, low‑cost comforts and fails to see her own greed in demanding them, even when they inconvenience others.
In simple terms: She wants cheap comforts and doesn’t see her own greed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when “small” wants become selfish.
Themes
greed
contentment
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family meals
- office snack choices
- budgeting
- gift giving
Key Concepts
materialism
psychology
ethical perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you label your desires as modest?
- How do you balance personal comfort with others’ needs?
A Different Perspective
She may truly need comfort, not just indulgence.
