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About this quote

What does it mean?
The desire for an ideal home or origin is more fulfilling than arrival itself.
In plain terms
Longing for a better place feels like returning home, not just going somewhere new.
What can you take from it?
The journey of longing often holds more value than the destination.

Where it applies

  • feeling out of place
  • seeking purpose
  • reflecting on roots

Putting it to work

  • journaling about desires
  • meditating on home
  • writing personal essays

Questions to consider

  • What does your longing say about what you value?
  • Is the dream better than the reality?

Another view

Sometimes longing can become destructive if it prevents enjoying the present.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. 'No, no no,' she said. 'You don't understand. Not that kind of longing. It was when I was happiest that I longed most. It was on happy days when we were up the…

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  2. ''Are the gods not just?' 'Oh no, child. What would become of us if they were?''

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  3. 'Ah, Psyche,' I said, 'have I made you so little happy as that?'

    Permalink to quote #177

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