--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Then he buttoned up his coat, took a deep…" description: "\"“Then he buttoned up his coat, took a deep breath, and picked up the ring. And he thought then, as he always thought afterward too, that he could not d..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/c-s-lewis-121_mind_then-he-buttoned-up-his-coat-took-a-deep_68493.jpg" --- # Then he buttoned up his coat, took a deep breath, and… ![“Then he buttoned up his coat, took a deep breath, and picked up the ring. And he thought then, as he always thought afterward too, that he could not decently have done anything else.” quote by C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/c-s-lewis-121_mind_then-he-buttoned-up-his-coat-took-a-deep_68493.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/c-s-lewis-121_mind_then-he-buttoned-up-his-coat-took-a-deep_68493.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/618/c-s-lewis-121_mind_then-he-buttoned-up-his-coat-took-a-deep_68493.jpg) > ““Then he buttoned up his coat, took a deep breath, and picked up the ring. And he thought then, as he always thought afterward too, that he could not decently have done anything else.”” [C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker acknowledges a moment of decisive action, feeling that any alternative would have been inadequate or dishonest. **In simple terms:** A pivotal choice feels morally necessary. Key Takeaway Decisive actions define integrity. Themes responsibility morality courage decision-making self-identity Mood determined reflective solemn Type narrative philosophical motivational When to use this quote - facing a moral crossroads - making a career‑changing decision - accepting a leadership role - confronting a personal failure Key Concepts ethical dilemma personal agency consequences Practical Applications - ethical leadership training - character‑building workshops Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to act 'decently' in a critical moment? - How do we reconcile personal doubt with moral duty? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Narnia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narnia/) [Ring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ring/) ## Related quotes > [“And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints/and-it-came-to-pass-that-he-rent-his-coat-and-he-took-a-piece-thereof/) [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints/) > [It's my mother's engagement ring so I thought it was quite nice because obviously she's not going to be around to share any of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prince-william/it-s-my-mother-s-engagement-ring-so-i-thought-it-was-quite-nice/) [Prince William](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/prince-william/) > [Somebody scoffed, Oh, you'll never to that - At least no one ever has done it; But he took off his coat and he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-guest/somebody-scoffed-oh-you-ll-never-to-that-at-least-no-one-ever-has/) [Edgar Guest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-guest/) > [Being good felt like a heavy coat, so I took it off.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naomi-shihab-nye/being-good-felt-like-a-heavy-coat-so-i-took-it-off/) [Naomi Shihab Nye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naomi-shihab-nye/) > [I found myself with a wife and kids, and some of my friends weren't around as much. 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