Skip to content

Clear thinking Quote by C.S. Lewis

“These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it…” quote by C.S. Lewis
Download Open image
““These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have this curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in. 2 SOME OBJECTIONS If they are the foundation, I had better stop to””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Book: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, 1942

Humans recognize a moral law but routinely violate it, revealing a gap between knowledge and behavior that underlies self‑understanding and cosmology.

In simple terms: People know right but act wrong.

Key Takeaway

Align actions with knowledge.

Themes

morality human nature philosophy

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • education
  • policy making
  • environmental stewardship

Key Concepts

Ethics cognitive dissonance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we bridge the gap between moral awareness and daily conduct?
  • What structures help us live consistently with our values?
A Different Perspective

Human behavior is often constrained by social pressures and habits, limiting pure rationality.

3.9 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by C.S. Lewis

Explore all 1,165 C.S. Lewis quotes

More Clear thinking quotes

Browse all 74 Clear thinking quotes