Common Quote by C. S. Lewis
“No, I don’t wish I knew Heaven was like the picture in my Great Divorce, because, if we knew that, we should know it was no better. The good things even of this world are far too good ever to be reached by imagination. Even the common orange, you know: no one could have imagined it before he tasted it. How much less Heaven.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis, 1946
Heaven’s true nature is beyond human imagination; imagining it may diminish its mystery and value, urging us to appreciate earthly goodness.
In simple terms: Heaven is unknowable; cherish real world joys.
Key Takeaway
Accept mystery; value present blessings.
Themes
mystery
spirituality
humility
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal faith
- artistic creation
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
imagination
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does mystery teach us about faith?
- How can we balance imagination with humility?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on speculation can distract from lived experience.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
