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About this quote

What does it mean?
Artists can fall in love with their work rather than the divine source, leading to pride and emptiness.
In plain terms
Artists can love the telling more than the thing itself.
What can you take from it?
Keep your love on the thing, not the telling.

Where it applies

  • studio
  • stage
  • publishing

Putting it to work

  • prayer before work
  • share simply
  • serve audience

Questions to consider

  • What do you love most about your work?
  • Who do you serve?

Another view

It risks shaming creators for taking pride in craft.

More from C. S. Lewis

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  3. 'Milton was right:' The choice of every lost soul can be expressed in the words 'Better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven.' There is always something th…

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