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Explanation Quote by C.S. Lewis

“There are progressions in which the last step is sui generis - incommensurable with the others - and in which to go the whole way is to undo all the labour of your previous journey. To reduce the Tao to a mere natural product is a step of that kind. Up to that point, the kind of explanation which…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““There are progressions in which the last step is sui generis - incommensurable with the others - and in which to go the whole way is to undo all the labour of your previous journey. To reduce the Tao to a mere natural product is a step of that kind. Up to that point, the kind of explanation which explains things away may give us something, though at a heavy cost. But you cannot go on ‘explaining away’ for ever: you will find that you have explained explanation itself away. You cannot go on ‘seeing through’ things for ever. The whole point of seeing through something is to see something through it. It is good that the window should be transparent, because the street or garden beyond it is opaque. How if you saw through the garden too? It is no use trying to ‘see through’ first principles. If you see through everything, then everything is transparent. But a wholly transparent world is an invisible world. To ‘see through’ all things is the same as not to see.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Weight of Glory, 1949

Lewis warns that endless analytical reduction strips reality of depth, making everything transparent and thus invisible, urging acceptance of mystery beyond rational explanation.

In simple terms: Over‑analysis empties meaning; mystery matters.

Key Takeaway

Balance reason with mystery.

Themes

philosophy epistemology spirituality limits of rationality paradox

Mood

thoughtful skeptical contemplative

Type

philosophical spiritual introspective

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • theological study
  • personal contemplation
  • artistic creation
  • education

Key Concepts

mysticism critical thinking metaphysics cognitive humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does analysis become counterproductive?
  • How can we honor mystery without abandoning reason?
A Different Perspective

The stance may dismiss valuable scientific inquiry that seeks deeper understanding through analysis.

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