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Authority Quote by Clive Staples Lewis

“It is therefore easy to see why Authority frowns on Friendship. Every real Friendship is a sort of secession, even a rebellion. It may be a rebellion of serious thinkers against accepted clap-trap or of faddists against accepted good sense; of real artists against popular ugliness or of charlatans…” quote by Clive Staples Lewis
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““It is therefore easy to see why Authority frowns on Friendship. Every real Friendship is a sort of secession, even a rebellion. It may be a rebellion of serious thinkers against accepted clap-trap or of faddists against accepted good sense; of real artists against popular ugliness or of charlatans against civilised taste; of good men against the badness of society or of bad men against its goodness. Whichever it is, it will be unwelcome to Top People.””

Clive Staples Lewis

About This Quote

Source Book: The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis, 1960

Friendship often opposes established authority because it challenges prevailing norms and values.

In simple terms: Friendship can be rebellious against the status quo.

Key Takeaway

Embrace friendships that question conformity.

Themes

friendship rebellion authority conformity individualism

Mood

thoughtful critical reflective

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • academic circles
  • artistic communities
  • political activism
  • social movements

Key Concepts

social critique philosophical dissent

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your friendship challenge societal norms?
  • When is rebellion counterproductive?
A Different Perspective

Friendship may also reinforce harmful hierarchies if not reflective.

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