Mere Christianity
I could re-read this chapter every day for a week and still gain something new from it each and every time.
1. The Law of Human Nature
"I am only trying to call attention to a fact; the fact that this year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practice ourselves the kind of behavior we expect from other people. There may be all sorts of excuses for us."
We all have this inner understanding (to some degree or another) of what is morally acceptable and unacceptable. Some choose to call this a "conscience", while Lewis refers to something a little bigger than simply a conscience, but more of a "Law of Nature". We all have it, but we do not always act according to it. It's like Lewis was saying about the man who has a piece of another man's orange, but when that man asks for a piece of his, there is some extenuating circumstance that makes it okay for him not to oblige.
We like the Law of Nature when it applies and offers benefits to us, but when it comes to applying it to ALL situations, we looks for escape clauses. It is just our own instinct to want to "look out for number one" or only want to do things and participate in practices that benefit ourselves. That is inherent, but what is more natural, the Law of Nature or the desire to be selfish?
"Men have differed in regards to what people you ought to be unselfish to--whether it was only your own family, or your fellow countrymen, or everyone. But they have always agreed that you ought not to put yourself first. Selfishness has never been admired."
1. The Law of Human Nature
"I am only trying to call attention to a fact; the fact that this year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practice ourselves the kind of behavior we expect from other people. There may be all sorts of excuses for us."
We all have this inner understanding (to some degree or another) of what is morally acceptable and unacceptable. Some choose to call this a "conscience", while Lewis refers to something a little bigger than simply a conscience, but more of a "Law of Nature". We all have it, but we do not always act according to it. It's like Lewis was saying about the man who has a piece of another man's orange, but when that man asks for a piece of his, there is some extenuating circumstance that makes it okay for him not to oblige.
We like the Law of Nature when it applies and offers benefits to us, but when it comes to applying it to ALL situations, we looks for escape clauses. It is just our own instinct to want to "look out for number one" or only want to do things and participate in practices that benefit ourselves. That is inherent, but what is more natural, the Law of Nature or the desire to be selfish?
"Men have differed in regards to what people you ought to be unselfish to--whether it was only your own family, or your fellow countrymen, or everyone. But they have always agreed that you ought not to put yourself first. Selfishness has never been admired."