Believe Quote by C. S. Lewis
“A man's physical hunger does not prove that man will get any bread; he may die of starvation on a raft in the Atlantic. But surely a man's hunger does prove that he comes of a race which repairs its body by eating and inhabits a world where eatable substances exist. In the same way, though I do not believe (I wish I did) that my desire for Paradise proves that I shall enjoy it, I think it a pretty good indication that such a thing exists and that some men will.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Weight of Glory" (1942)
Desire for Paradise suggests its existence, similar to hunger indicating food.
In simple terms: Desire hints at reality of what we seek.
Key Takeaway
Use desire as clue to truth.
Themes
faith
philosophy
metaphysics
Mood
thoughtful
contemplative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- spiritual longing
- ethical decision‑making
- existential reflection
- theological debate
Key Concepts
desire as epistemology
existence proof
Questions to Reflect On
- Does longing always indicate existence?
- Can desire mislead belief?
A Different Perspective
Desire may be illusion, not proof.
