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Of course a war is entertaining. The immediate fear and suffering of the humans is a legitimate and pleasing refreshment for our myriads of toiling workers. But what permanent good does it do us unless we make use of it for bringing souls to Our Father Below? When I see the temporal suffering of humans who finally escape us, I feel as if I had been allowed to taste the first course of a rich banquet and then denied all the rest. It is worse than not to have tasted it at all. The Enemy, true to His barbarous methods of warfare, allows us to see the short misery of His favourites only to tantalize and torment us - to mock the incessant hunger, which, during this present phase of great conflict, His blockade is admittedly imposing.

C. S. Lewis#32

MoralitySufferingEvilWarFictionStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Spoken by a demon, this passage portrays war as a source of temporary pleasure that is ultimately disappointing without eternal gain.
In plain terms
A demon admits war entertains workers but is useless unless it wins souls.
What can you take from it?
Short-term gains feel hollow without deeper purpose.

Where it applies

  • discussing war
  • analyzing villainy
  • ethics

Putting it to work

  • seek lasting meaning
  • beware of fleeting joy

Questions to consider

  • What truly satisfies you?
  • Is temporary joy enough?

Another view

The perspective is intentionally distorted to show a villain's view.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to…

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. Be not deceived, Wormwood, our cause is never more in jeopardy than when a human, no longer desiring but still intending to do our Enemy's will, looks round up…

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. Much of the modern resistance to chastity comes from men's belief that they 'own' their bodies - those vast and perilous estates, pulsating with the energy tha…

    Permalink to quote #30

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