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Long run Quote by C.S. Lewis

“To anticipate the Enemy’s strategy, we must consider His aims. The Enemy wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in the fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““To anticipate the Enemy’s strategy, we must consider His aims. The Enemy wants to bring the man to a state of mind in which he could design the best cathedral in the world, and know it to be the best, and rejoice in the fact, without being any more (or less) or otherwise glad at having done it than he would be if it had been done by another. The Enemy wants him, in the end, to be so free from any bias in his own favour that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbour’s talents—or in a sunrise, an elephant, or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to be able to recognise all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things. He wants to kill their animal self-love as soon as possible; but it is His long-term policy, I fear, to restore to them a new kind of self-love—a charity and gratitude for all selves, including their own; when they have really learned to love their neighbours as themselves, they will be allowed to love themselves as their neighbours.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Weight of Glory, 1949

True freedom comes from selfless love and gratitude, recognizing all beings as valuable, not just oneself.

In simple terms: Love others to love yourself fully.

Key Takeaway

Practice universal compassion.

Themes

selflessness gratitude spiritual growth human dignity philosophy

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • Volunteer work
  • conflict resolution
  • personal meditation
  • community building

Key Concepts

Ethics metaphysics psychology theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?
  • How can we cultivate gratitude for all beings?
A Different Perspective

Human nature often resists self‑sacrifice, making altruism difficult.

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