C. S. Lewis Quote

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive... To be 'cured' against one's will and cured of states which we may not even regard as disease is to be put on a level with those who have not yet reached the age of reason or those who never will; to be classed with infants, imbeciles, and domestic animals. For if crime and disease are to be regarded as the same thing, it follows that any state of mind which our masters choose to call 'disease' can be treated as a crime; and compulsorily cured. Even if the treatment is painful, even if it is life-long, even if it is fatal, that will be only a regrettable accident; the intention was purely therapeutic."

by:	C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), British novelist
Source:	"God in the Dock" (1948)
Rating:
Categories:	Conscience, Despotism, Drugs, Hypocrisy, Oppression, Persecution, Religion, Tyranny
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Government acts with the best intentions, and convince their "victims" it is for their own good. Well, stop trying to save me!  -- Joe, Rochester, MI
When I think of all the many wonderful gifts of freedom and liberty that my blessed and wonderful government has robbed from me in the name of "safety" - I often think of what C.S. Lewis said and have wondered, Why is it that more people don't get it?  -- Mad as Hell, Memphis, Tn
UNFORTUNATELY THE WRITERS MISINTERPRETED LEWIS' QUOTE MOSTLY BECAUSE THE QUOTE IS INCOMPLETE. LEWIS WAS AT THE THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS DO-GOODERS.  -- RAY55, GLEN HEAD NY      2
-- Anonymous
The whole quote should be here. Leftist politicians can steal more of your freedoms than tyrants.  -- mark 26, milwaukee
The difference between Lewis and the political left is that he didn't advocate myriads of governmental policies as a way to affect human behavior. He reserved that for God and one's personal relationship with his maker. Nor was this reserved by Lewis' consent. Rather, Lewis understood God as autonomous, and so appears His creation.  -- Jim, Lake Ridge, VA
Ray your response is incomplete and cannot be interpreted. Jim you get it.  -- warren, olathe
-- Anonymous
-- Mike, Norwalk
Always has been one of my favorite quotes. All these "good intentions" are nothing but insults to the people. Essentially telling them they can't manage their own lives but need a government to do it for them.  -- J. Allen, Arlington, Va      2
Sorry Ray but you missed the boat.  -- Mike, Pleasant Hill
Ray, you are right. C.S.Lewis was definitely downgrading the self -righteous do-gooders.  -- jim k, Austin

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