When things go wrong, you'll find they usually go on getting worse for some time; but when things once start to go right they often go on getting better and better. (ch.15)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote observes that negative situations tend to worsen before improving, while positive trends often build momentum.
- In plain terms
- Bad things get worse before they get better, but good things often keep improving.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect setbacks to worsen before improvement begins.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you in a worsening or improving phase?
- How do you persist through setbacks?
Another view
It oversimplifies complex situations where improvement is not guaranteed.
More from C. S. Lewis
All get what they want; they do not always like it. (ch. 14)
Permalink to quote #101 The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.
Permalink to quote #103 [Said Aslan,] 'But I cannot tell that to this old sinner, and I cannot comfort him either; he has made himself unable to hear my voice. [...] But I will give h…
Permalink to quote #100
Related quotes
I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can't make it through one door, I'll go through another door - or I'll make a door. Something terrific will c…
Joan RiversJoan Rivers quote #6 In the end it's the big picture which changes nations and whatever our opponents may say, Australia's changed inexorably for good, for the better.
Paul KeatingPaul Keating quote #13 I try to take life as it comes, and just hope it keeps coming.
Ashleigh BrilliantAshleigh Brilliant quote #57