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About this quote

What does it mean?
Encountering absolute goodness is not a lighthearted experience; it can be either a great safety or a great danger depending on how you react.
In plain terms
True goodness is dangerous or safe depending on your reaction.
What can you take from it?
Take goodness seriously, not as a game.

Where it applies

  • spiritual awakening
  • moral crisis
  • religious practice

Putting it to work

  • approach goodness with seriousness
  • reflect on your reaction to virtue

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond to moral goodness?
  • Is goodness safe or dangerous for you?

Another view

Not everyone finds goodness dangerous.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. This is the terrible fix we are in. If the universe is not governed by an absolute goodness, then all our efforts are in the long run hopeless. But if it is, t…

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  2. Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it.

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. This year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people.

    Permalink to quote #54

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