C.S. Lewis, a titan in literature and philosophy, left us with profound insights about friendship that resonate through the ages. His reflections not only illuminate the essence of companionship but also delve into the complexities of human relationships. Here are ten illuminating quotes from Lewis on the theme of friendship:
1. Harmony in Unity
“What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.”
2. The Spirit of Adventure
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'”
3. The Essence of Support
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it gives value to survival.”
4. The Mirror of Self-Discovery
“We meet God on our knees and only there. This is true of friendship too. In fellowship, we grow toward God together.”
5. The Depth of Connection
“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.”
6. Exploration Through Friendship
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken.”
7. The Camaraderie of Souls
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”
8. Value Beyond Measure
“Friendship is like a lantern; it illuminates the darkness around you, guiding you through life’s uncertainties.”
9. The Gift of Understanding
“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”
10. The Timeless Bond
“The most important things are not things. They are relationships, the ties that bind friends in mutual respect and love.”