C. S. LewisC. S. Lewis, (1898-1963), British novelist

C. S. Lewis Quote

“To live his life in his own way, to call his house his castle, to enjoy the fruits of his own labour, to educate his children as his conscience directs, to save for their prosperity after his death --- these are wishes deeply ingrained in civilised man. Their realization is almost as necessary to our virtues as to our happiness. From their total frustration disastrous results both moral and psychological might follow.”

C. S. LewisC. S. Lewis
~ C. S. Lewis

Willing Slaves of the Welfare State, first published in The Observer on July 20, 1958
http://liberty-tree.ca/research/willing_slaves_of_the_welfare_state

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

This absolute truism condemns the occupying statist theocracy infesting this land and its intellectually dishonest patrons.

Walter Clark, Fullerton CA

Truism indeed Mike.
And a waste of time in reading. It is glittering prose that says nothing more than... Wishing to be in charge of raising his own kids and wishing to spend his own money has a very long tradition. It is bad if these wishes are completely prevented. Duh.
C.S. Lewis was no libertarian. No one in England in his time saw anything wrong with the state directing all aspects of the culture. What C.S. Lewis wanted when he said the above is for the STATE to make sure that no bad people take all his money and the STATE teaches his kids the way he would.

Mike, Norwalk
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Mike, Norwalk Walter Clark, Fullerton CA 12/12/18

Walter, it doesn't matter if your ad hominem is accurate or inaccurate, it is a misdirection and does not address the substance (at face value) of this quote.

Mike, Pleasant Hill

It is an absolute truism, read the entire thing from the source
"willing slaves of the welfare state."

Mary - MI
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Mary - MI    8/11/14

I fully agree with you Mike, Pleasant Hill that Mr. Walter Clark needs to read the article "Willing Slaves of the Welfare State" by:
C.S. Lewis before spouting off and giving out so much disinformation. The article is dated 07/20/58
Source: First published in The Observer on July 20, 1958
http://liberty-tree.ca/research/willing_slaves_of_the_welfare_state

E Archer, NYC

Beautifully spoken. Walter's ad hominem argument doesn't hold much water -- better to comment on the quote rather than on an opinion of who the speaker is.

Ron w13, Or

From their total frustration, we have our current mell of a hess. !

Ronw13, OR

"Ecumenism", unity of Christian denominations, underlying doctrines of unity. Lewis embraced this calling. 

Abby
  • Reply
Abby    10/10/22
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