C.S. Lewis - We Have No Right to Happiness

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[@CSLewisessays]

Make sure to join our Christian theology server! discord.gg/bC3vwsDNCf

[@SmellofFemale]

Are you going to share that his theology is Arminianism and 4 point Calvinist ?

[@ecclesoul]

I downloaded the audiobook from Audible but can’t find this in any chapter. Why???

[@ilunc]

How can he be both Arminian and Calvinist? That doesn't mix@@SmellofFemale

[@philtate1029]

​@@SmellofFemalethat's quite the speculation

[@philtate1029]

​@@TheJoker-dj4yqyou shouldnt because you don't think deeply

[@DoctorZebedee]

My wife and I have been married for 45 years. I remember our marriage entered a new phase of happiness once I learned that she could not make me happy. That is too great a burden to place on any mere human, no matter how awesome they are. I learned I had to find happiness in God, for He alone can carry that burden.

[@spyseeuk1367]

pray me and mine learn this ASAP please, thanks xx

[@DoctorZebedee]

@@spyseeuk1367 I will lift you up to the Lord in my prayers tonight.

[@gregb3457]

Yes. The point us that God makes us happy in ways that no one else can. And, as great and wonderful as a wife's love can be, God's is deeper, more constant, wiser, and eternal; thus it is more fulfilling. It was always meant to be so. Same is true for our wives and even children.

[@deanhendrix3179]

Too true, sometimes you are not equally yoked and I am not referring to spiritual matters. You become one, but you discover that it may not contain the things you need and some things are not discovered until after the lifetime commitment. This is when you put total faith into GOD, so that a lifetime of disappointment is followed by an eternity of bliss.

[@kendram1893]

Yes! Thank you for sharing your experience. After 27 years of marriage, I am increasingly happy the closer I grow to Christ and I can release my sweetheart from unmet expectations.

[@isrberlinerin4063]

Happiness is a fleeting fluctuating emotion , but the Joy of the Lord is our strength .

[@Real_Michael_Jordan]

Happiness and joy is the same thing.. That's an annoying religious lie that makes baptists turn everything into doctrine and eliminate all emotions as they cannot be contained in doctrine

[@Notarabbit911]

What is it about god and Jesus that makes you think they could keep you feeling satisfied forever?

[@isrberlinerin4063]

@@Notarabbit911 You have to be Born Again (spiritually) by accepting the living Savior and Lord Jesus Christ repent of all your sins and he is ready to forgive you . Only then you will find out that he will fill the void you have that never satisfies . He will give you a peace that passes all understanding and he will shower you with a heavenly Love no other person can give .Jesus is a personal Savior (not religion) and He will never leave you nor forsake you . I wrote this out of own personal experience walking with the Lord for many years and he has never failed me . If you have any other questions please feel free to ask . Be blessed ......

[@apointonacurve]

​@@Notarabbit911basically, they give up their personal identification and reinterpret reality as a oneness to the all, or God. By serving something big, they give up self responsibility, and thus give up suffering because their fate is in the "hands of god". Thus, a kind of ego death, that can provide a method of detachment, and ultimately a sense of pleasantness.

[@Willsmiff1985]

@@Notarabbit911 and if Jesus ain’t your thing, well… then there is only one thing left to do. One must imagine Sisyphus happy

[@noname7496]

One of the best things I learnt after being saved was that I was no longer under pressure to feel happy in the world. That the Lord is my happiness and He is not of this world.

[@TheSpicyLeg]

Correct! We know the world is fallen, a fate we brought upon ourselves in the Garden. Yet still God offers us the path to peace and happiness through Jesus. One of the hardest things for a new Christian (or indeed, any Christian) is to cede to God our “kingdom” and trust in His plan for us. Even after 41 years of being a Christian, I fall back into believing I can make my own happiness.

[@blandeauxfillaskii7344]

This is the truth, amen!

[@henkvanwyk6799]

Yes but it still makes me a bit too miserable to influence others for the Kingdom Find the balance I think!?

[@a-schott4150]

Amen

[@crystalwashington9280]

This is so true. Your comment really helped me. Even after years of being saved, some seasons have been easier than others to see this truth. Thanks for the reminder. I ask anyone who sees this to pray for me.❤

[@lawrencegrant8235]

I have admired CS lewis ever since reading mere Christianity. This insight is monumental. No sexual restraint = no civilisation.

[@timothysullivan968]

Z is a letter

[@Si_Mondo]

​@@timothysullivan968We Brits spell that word with an 's'...

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

​@@timothysullivan968rude.

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

​@@Si_Mondo😊

[@ronfox5519]

Maybe it's not an insight so much as remembering an ancient lesson. Brought to the the front of our minds in cycles as the times require.

[@Gutslinger]

"A society in which conjugal infidelity is tolerated must always be, in the long run, a society adverse to women." - C.S. Lewis

[@kelly4187]

Yet women seem to be the biggest instigator of conjugal infidelity, if the statistic that around 30% of father's are raising children that aren't their own, is to be trusted.

[@Gutslinger]

@@kelly4187 I think both men and women are responsible for the conjugal infidelity, and this western society that's now adverse to women. Also the use of social media. Not that social media is inherently bad, but there a lot of active men and women on it who lack self control and obedience to morality.. It's easier to be adulterous when it's much easier to socialize with the whole world at your fingertips. That's just one of many factors, I think.

[@misterwhalrus7334]

@@kelly4187 that is why the modern society is so paradoxical, it is adverse to women, but still favours them, in ways that make them unhappy

[@deiedwa8913]

I can let go of the happiness vacuum. It’s such a weight lifted when you realize life isn’t about being happy. It truly is about giving glory to the Lord and I can rest assured that he will comfort me and protect me in the end. What good is it for a man to gain the world and lose his own soul?

[@res6769]

Well said

[@deiedwa8913]

@@richardlaiche8303 We still enjoy things in life, but transient things like money, power, or a yacht just become memories. They don’t fill the void forever. You can’t take them with you if your soul endures after death. What good is it to have everything you could ever want on earth if you can’t take it with you after you die? What good is it if then you realized your merits on earth weren’t worth anything before the creator? Eternity is so much longer than if you had the maximum life expectancy of any human on earth.

[@johnnylongshlong3677]

In what way do you give glory to the lord? If this is what your life is about... genuinely interested?

[@deiedwa8913]

@@johnnylongshlong3677 Whether I eat or drink or whatever I do I give thanks to God, I share the gospel, and I try to seek the good of others.

[@johnnylongshlong3677]

@@deiedwa8913 - nice.

[@rocketta.chique5761]

Everyone talks about the right; no one talks about the cost.

[@davido3026]

Today, society talks only of entitlement! And us deceived by immediate gratification!

[@Ipleadthebloodofjesus]

Or responsibility

[@jennygrim2057]

😥

[@rlyle5804]

The cost of eating the fruit was also never discussed.

[@al-imranadore1182]

​@@rlyle5804because that's insignificant.

[@manusheunis6298]

You cannot build your happiness on someone else's misery. Or when your happiness comes at the cost of someone else's unhappiness.

[@JaneHallstrom1]

Trouble is this is what governs so much of what we erroneously call success. Getting rich getting powerful getting famous all means there must be losers - those who are not what we want to be.

[@tonn333]

​@@richellepeace4457and plenty of them will tell you that they are not happy. Countless examples of so called stars who so called made it just to discover themselves still unsatisfied and unhappy... Thinking about ending it.... But of course some can ignore this reality.

[@lenicachambers8368]

I agree with you 100% ✝️

[@newtonia-uo4889]

This is not what is being said, you are missing the greater point

[@TheFightingSheep]

You can't build happiness, or find happiness by looking for it, because happiness is like a magnet. When you face the positive and try to positively follow it, you will repell it. But when you turn your back on it, it will latch on and follow you. People who seek happiness always find misery.

[@megalopolis2015]

CS Lewis is still speaking profound wisdom into the world, decades after leaving it. I pray that people hear him now.

[@missrockeysworstnightmare203]

❤️

[@Maddog3060]

A dire warning that was ignored by most. Now we see the terrible, rotten fruits Lewis and others warned us about.

[@Lee-km7qq]

I often find that those who were ignored in history have turned out to be right. Even those women who were anti-suffrage ended up being right in the long run. it's kind of funny how that works.

[@matswessling6600]

@@Lee-km7qqwhat? what do you mean by writing that anti-suffragettes is/was right?

[@thomasanderson3723]

Lewis trashed Jews and advocated for their forced conversion. He was no better than the world he purported to dislike.

[@Maddog3060]

@@thomasanderson3723 Ah, one of the Prince of Lies' own jackboots. I know you are a very hateful person, filled with constant anger because you have that giant hole where God should be, but you should really stop with ridiculous revisionist history. Maybe reconsider your life and come to Jesus.

[@rumham8124]

@@matswessling6600 It doesn't take a genius to recognize why it was a bad idea to allow women to vote. To put it VERY simply, their kind are not suited for the complexities and emotional temperance politics requires. If this confuses or offends you, then theres really no point in continuing any further, as you aren't even at the beginning stage of understanding to accept this reality, and I don't mean that as an insult.

[@cjfishtales2238]

Happiness is subjective and temporary. To chase it, without constraints, is to be an addict.

[@bobbyraejohnson]

True

[@davido3026]

Pursuing it is to be a fool

[@Elijah_Dove]

Yep 💯 but deep down we all pursue it really… one way or another. Even by giving up on happiness as futile.

[@al-imranadore1182]

Then feminists are all a bunch of addicts.

[@caminandoensuverdad]

Happiness depends only from one source: GOD. “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.” (Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

[@Dee-nonamnamrson8718]

I wonder how much God truly cares about our happiness? It would depend on His reason for creating us, I suppose.

[@a-a-rondavis9438]

Happiness cam come from anything. JOY, especially joy of the Lord, can only come from the Lord.

[@Dee-nonamnamrson8718]

@@a-a-rondavis9438 If we are going to spend an eternity of happiness with God in heaven, why would our temporary happiness now be a priority? I'm not saying it isn't, I wouldn't presume to know God's priorities, but it would surprise me if it was a priority.

[@caminandoensuverdad]

@@a-a-rondavis9438 HAPPINESS: a state of well-being and contentment : JOY. (Merriam-Webster)

[@jeanavo3865]

Alleluia!!!!!

[@truthbetold2354]

Happiness is transient emotion. It comes from an external stimulus...hence the phrase " makes happy" Joy is an internal baseline. It doesnt come from anything or anyone external. It comes from the Holy Spirt inside .

[@barb2793]

Yes

[@Cope_M]

Yes, only Jesus. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. - Nehemiah 8:10.

[@davido3026]

The desire for happiness comes from the soul's desire for God!!! Only he can fulfill

[@Bernadette-ce7pp]

Yes ❤

[@quickattackfilms7923]

Wow. He articulates it so well. The only proof you need to know he’s right is to look outside lol

[@robertwilliams1167]

Yes. It’s happening before our eyes.

[@davido3026]

It is not what enters in the body what contaminates men but what comes from his heart: debauchery, infidelity, idolatry, hate, lust, etc...the human heart es deceiving!!

[@ernimuja6991]

The end of our civilization.

[@PoetiqueMs]

I've seen this play out recently in my family. It is so common these days for people to make decisions based purely on their personal happiness, and society has changed so much that those decisions are often validated by friends. So many families have been irreparably changed in the pursuit of someone's personal happiness.

[@runswithraptors]

It "stimulates the economy"

[@al-imranadore1182]

That's what happens when you let stupid people breed.

[@kelleyf]

A shocking emotional upset now leads to total estrangement for mothers of adult children.

[@al-imranadore1182]

@@kelleyf Let's not raise children with all the quick gratification devices and prevention of discomfort and difficulties of life, show them how to get what they want instead of giving them stuff, that way they will appreciate your efforts more.

[@GB-xt4hc]

Boy howdy, we have gone down a more dangerous road of sexual "happiness" than possibly Mr. Lewis could not even have imagined.

[@emanuelbotello23]

It was only a matter of time for that to truly manifest in a significant way. It had so in the time of Sodom and Gomorra, in the times of Babylonia ect. Any one and any civilization that separate themselves from God for the pursuit of their desires are doomed to fall into the same snares as our ancestors.

[@davido3026]

Once the name of the Lord is removed from the midst, the gates of hell break lose!

[@Ipleadthebloodofjesus]

The perversion of what God made to be holy is complete.

[@Puglia506]

"Whom God hath joined together, let no man pull asunder "

[@mysticmeadowshomestead6209]

There is s change happening in America. More and more men are asking 'What have I done so bad that I deserve to lose everything I've ever worked for and my children?” Judges are saying, 'Nothing. That's what “no-fault” divorce means, you haven't done anything wrong.' Men then ask why they weren't given a jury trial, because it's obvious that if you haven't done anything wrong (illegal) then you shouldn't be hauled up before a judge - punished to such a phenomenal extent as to be effectively destroyed - all without any societal wrong-doing and without the benefit of a jury trial. Judges then point out that the men are only losing half and get visitor-status, er, visitation rights, in their children's lives. That is falling flat. Men are demanding jury trials as it is patently evident that judges are pushing an agenda that a jury of twelve would never uphold.

[@lastswordfighter]

Family Court is a private corporation operating from out of the law of the land. They actively usurp families and the Consitution to push a godless leftwing tyranny and victim hood. Through it they also push welfare state expansionism and also aid in human trafficking.

[@davido3026]

America is not a Christian country

[@davido3026]

Jesus says that "there are unlawful marriages", therefore, only his church with authority to bind on earth and heaven can declare a marriage null, when proven by exhaustive investigated evidence to render it void!!!

[@bendadestroyer]

​@mysticmeadowshomestead6209 Wow, the was eloquently said. Thank you.

[@Box52222]

Joy is a fruit of the spirit

[@JSabh]

One of the fruits, there are many.

[@bradjacobs1844]

C.S. Lewis’ words are even truer today than 60 years ago. If you are willing to listen and look around you, you will see that he speaks truth.

[@siddharthavicious108]

Wow! Those final words hit hard in 2023.

[@gavasiarobinssson5108]

We have indeed reached that stage.

[@ArmenChakmakian]

!

[@kylepowers812]

Yes they do.

[@bigmyke2008]

He puts all my thoughts into words I could never formulate

[@TheScotian82]

no he put HIS thoughts into words and you have grasped on to them. You dont get to claim them as yours lol

[@Desert-edDave]

We have a right to misery, especially for the consequences of our actions in this life. Thank God for Christ and hope for joy to finally come after this 'life' mercifully ends.

[@jehjehfish]

My family is a recent casualty of this belief in the "right to happiness" My wife of 10 years and mother of my three young children (7, 6, 2), had an affair this summer and was unwilling to end the affair to try and save our marriage. She believed and still believes that her falling in love with another married man (and father) was a sign that she could never be happy with me, and that we therefore needed to get divorced. As much as I wanted to save our marriage, I've come to realize that I just have to let her go and make her own mistakes. So now, I'm just trying to do my best to strengthen my faith and be a source of stability and love for my children as we weather this unexpected storm together.

[@Renee-zr1cr]

Check out Rejoice Marriage Ministries.

[@canibezeroun1988]

You were abandoned. May the Lord hold you blameless. I'll be praying for your heart as you recover from this hurt.

[@mr.d.572]

Horrible. I would sue her for child support. Also what a terrible example she set for her own children. May God grant her repentance and a big wake up call.

[@Bernadette-ce7pp]

Sorry, keep trusting in God.🙏🙏🙏

[@ruskiny280]

We are happy inspite of circumstances. We are happy because of Jesus.

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

This is a truth I’ve hidden in my heart for the long hard road I’ve traveled on. Almost 40 years ago I made a vow. It has been a very “unhappy” union, but I have found great consolation, and joy knowing that it is safest in the center of Gods will! There’s a lot to be said concerning what the writer of Hebrews 6:15 admonishes us to do; patiently endure!

[@onion6foot]

Can one be expected to endure a psychopath whose greatest pleasure is causing you to suffer, and who acknowledges his desire to cause your death?

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

@@onion6foot no it’s not that way dear. I have the good sense to remove myself from a train track when a train is traveling at a high rate of speed. My husband has not been abusive in that regard, but other issues that I remain silent on, that are no man’s concern. I do not believe that a women should ever subject herself to physical, or emotional abuse.

[@barb2793]

Good for you for doing God's will

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

@@barb2793 thank you for the encouraging words!! So few of that these days.

[@Featherfinder]

@@onion6foot It sounds like you’re in a horrible situation and I’m truly sorry. If he wasn’t ever really sincere about loving and honoring you in marriage then it seems to me that the “marriage” would be null and void (and could be annulled). If the two of you were validly married but things have become unbearable you could live separately. Christ’s rules on marriage do not require that anyone stay to be abused. God bless you and I hope you get safe and find happiness.

[@elderliddle2733]

This I believe is why the American founding fathers wrote “the PURSUIT of happiness” rather than happiness itself as a right.

[@marabierto2]

We look for happiness but, the real thing is peace and only God provides it

[@dw5523]

It's easy to be a prophet when one is well acquainted with the truth - and I don't just mean Lewis' Christianity, but his whole life revolving around finding and explaining the "deep magic" of life in philosophy, poetry, myth, and merry. What a wonderful man.

[@ThomasAllan-up4td]

Can't agree. Stevenson never knew happiness. He lived in self imposed exile. Like Robinson Crusoe. Or kidnapped. Whatever,or whoever he was...he was a junky. He wanted out.; obliviom So he blasted his mind away... with booze and drugs. Like many to come, and many after, who choose to go that way in time to come. Best wait for the end, in peace and quiet.

[@yresonirba87]

God wants us to be happy in Him!

[@AlecSorensen]

Wow. 60 years later, and still 100% relevant.

[@anthonybardsley4985]

Happy is is the man who's God is the lord .

[@TheWidgeon23]

I love this narrator. He was great in the Elder Scrolls games, but even better reading Animal Farm. Always a treat to listen to him.

[@phrikaphrak40k]

I can't get it out of my head hearing Jauffre read this lol.

[@Archon...]

I just want to take the Amulet of Kings to him right now.

[@Vmurph]

He narrated The Screwtape Letters, as well (also by CS Lewis).

[@nukeface3D]

Wow that’s awesome!! I feel like I’m sitting in Weynon priory getting a theological lecture!!!

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

I scrolled a little too long looking for this comment. A fitting narrator, somehow

[@ttestates1]

Lewis literally changed my life

[@cmc7507]

Even if you don’t expect happiness, you shouldn’t accept abuse.

[@marisamartin3664]

Yes, few men can understand what it is like to live with someone who phycially harms or threatens you. Although many women are horrible to their husbands emotionally.

[@cmc7507]

@@marisamartin3664 Sometimes emotional abuse can be even worse than physical. Neither one is acceptable to the Lord & He will provide help, comfort & healing ❤️‍🩹

[@Lee-km7qq]

The last portion of this essay is interesting to read from a perspective where the outcome is being lived. The world where women being promiscuous is the norm, the world where even the idea of self-control is laughed at. In short, C.S. Lewis was right.

[@boobalooba5786]

And sadly he will be correct too about it's outcome. Our civilization has already died, and I'm fairly certain the human race is about to go extinct as a direct result of all this promiscuity. What a marvel to have been born in time to witness the end of the human race.

[@woodsmith8439]

The confirmation of his outlook is increasingly on display, particularly so in the United States

[@davido3026]

Freemasonry created Modern feminism to destroy families and existing order through women!!! Voltaire dictated clearly: "Corrupt women and you destroy Christianity"!

[@Mutasis_Mutandis]

And men are being worse.

[@gordo6908]

​@@Mutasis_Mutandis teen birth rates have absolutely collapsed since the 50s, teen s3xual activity rates have gone from 60% in the 90s to 30%, among adults pre pandemic activity rates were declining 17-24% and they're even lower now (activity rates are declining both before and during. curtis, luke, md, ms, cih, cmpp. ASTDA) im not sure what yous are talking about

[@angloaust1575]

Holiness is the way to happiness! Altho joy is the scriptural verse!

[@thomashocker2792]

Scripture says our joy is in the lord.

[@rosezingleman5007]

My husband abandoned me after 26 years for a younger woman on the other side of the planet. He said, I have a right to happiness. It was about my getting old and him seeking s€x.

[@CarolFremel-my4hs]

Good grief, you didn’t mourn the sack of sh#t, I hope

[@Rid3thetig3r]

I'm sorry to hear that. In the context of this video, he clearly was no match for you, who was willing to see it through to the end. For my part, I will be with my wife until she's gone or I am, whichever comes first. I wish you well.

[@marckg6950]

I'm being abandoned in a 33 year marriege. Still being faithful. I have an opportunity with another wonderful woman, but I'm foregoing that. I really don't believe that I'm going through this. I had no conception of this kind of pain.

[@Featherfinder]

@@marckg6950 I’m so sorry about what you’re going through; that is absolutely horrible. I can understand how that kind of situation would be even more painful than if you’d lost your spouse through her death at the happiest height of your union. Please hang in there … Could it be that all is not lost? That she’s not really in her right mind (as is so often the case)? I hope you will stay close to the Lord in this time of need. I am praying for you. 🙏♥

[@hmmm...............]

Take advice from Paul. It's better to remain single. Marriage in this day and age is a complete waste of time. People love the idea of love but that's all marriage is, the idea of love.

[@marcusa.ragnos1041]

Love this idea. It spills over into the problem of evil. The distinction between pain (unhappiness) and evil is small but important. We question the goodness and, therefore, existence of God because pain exists, believing erroneously that pain IS evil itself. “Because pain exists and I feel it, God cannot be good and all-powerful.” We fail to realize that no higher Authority or Law ever promised us painlessness-much less after we chose rebellion to that Authority. Pain (as a RESULT of evil) is not evil itself. Our idea of God is too small if that is our measure of his goodness.

[@snail847]

Well said.

[@grogene10]

Truth is always timeless.

[@davido3026]

And Truth is a person, his name is Jesus Christ!

[@executer40]

This essay hits hard in this society well into the sexual Revolution, and the ideologies spawned from it.

[@chrisiswright]

“I don’t know why we are here, but I'm pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves.”- Ludwig Wittgenstein

[@Jesusiscoming24]

God promised more fare more then one can imagine for them who work hard to please and bless his heart ❤️‍🔥🙋

[@intrafisicas]

Not a right to happiness A right to PURSUE happiness. A right to CREATE happiness.

[@user-zh1nm6ew3y]

Happiness can not be achieved through humans. Only the relationship with God as our saviour creates happiness. Therefor the words The joy of the Lord is my strength.

[@stephenhaywood5672]

Beautifully reasoned and written. Wise words indeed

[@csmink]

First read this in Look Magazine at university library where I was a shelver in 1979. I made a photocopy and have it still. Published in 1962 just a short while after Lewis died. Publication was delayed a week due to Pres. Kennedy death.

[@louislong1514]

This is timeless.

[@JaneHallstrom1]

Every impulse for sure. Lying greed oppression, licentiousness pride and power. Oh Lord let us convert and turn towards your light and warmth and consolation.

[@lucienboute]

every single time i am mesmerized by his wisdom

[@kumabear3439]

This voice...takes me back to Cyrodil. 😢

[@speggeri90]

I noticed too. As a boy I wandered around Cyrodil looking for hidden treasures.

[@christophersbyers]

This is truly a timely blessing. Heavenly wisdom is such a breath of life❤

[@emilyl6746]

These pursuits of happiness are really the pursuit of instant gratification. Fortunately it backfires for many people who thought they were hitting the jackpot. Like what happened to Johnny Depp. Discovered that trading in a stable relationship for Amber Heard was gmhis upgrade and it wasn't. Sadly many people will have to learn the hard way.

[@Moc5]

In general: We are not entitled to happiness … but the opportunity to pursue and earn it.

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

Very wrong.

[@David-eu1ms]

Happiness comes and goes as it will, we can't catch it.

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

@David-eu1ms the more it is pursued, the more unfulfilled we will be...joy on the other hand remains regardless of circumstances.

[@Brandon-ff1yo]

@@blessedrthosesermount99 while you are correct that when you merely seek "happiness" you will end up unfulfilled and sad, however I don`t agree with the idea that you cannot pursue something with the goal of happiness and have it not work, in example, if you pursue happiness purely you will likely say become addicted to drugs because it makes you happy, however you could also pursue things like a higher education, a better job (specifically to enable other pursuits, not in it of itself), a connection with god or a healthy relationship. the right to pursue happiness does not exclusively mean *short term happiness* or things that in it of themselves make you happy, it also means things that improve your life, that are fulfilling and thus is some way make you "happy". that's at least my perspective.

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

@@Brandon-ff1yo yes, definitely some healthy ideas in your comment. Thank you for sharing

[@KevinsDisobedience]

I’ve long since left the church, Christianity, and theism behind, but I will always return to reread Lewis’ and further explore his essays. He was a once in a century great writer, ie, perspicacious and perspicuous. He was no “blue collar theologian,” as academics dubbed him pejoratively. He merely found no need to muddy the waters to make them seem deep, as he actually knew what he was trying to say and wanted to be understood, and therefore was read and remembered. Cheers

[@RichardTClark396]

You left to soon it’s almost over now we are very close to the rapture now.isn’t a day that goes by now that biblical prophecy comes to fruition !

[@debbieellett9093]

Boy,was he ever right! I certainly wish his wisdom had been readily available when I was a younger person. It certainly would profit all youngsters. I hope this channel grows in order for more people to his teachings.🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nathanbailey6231]

This message was brought to you by every Breton in Cyrodil

[@peter_schomus]

All of this is SO relevant to today's culture war!

[@ZahraLowzley]

Your paranoid delusions pertaining to the super secret subconscious motives of others? Language is involuntarily adopted and rapidly habituated, you will know no greater influence, but you decided that you are God, you alone understand. There are no believers , only rejection. Your eternal life is here, you chose it .

[@RichardTClark396]

He was way ahead of his time!❤

[@danieltennenbaum5879]

Not what I expected to hear but definitely power and true.

[@johnholliday5874]

The conclusion is the most important point. For, indeed, the imagined "right to happiness" has crept into every facet of our lives and society. And oddly enough, it has been pushed most vigorously, in my experience, by preachers! Let me stipulate that there are plenty of Bible passages that if you do thus and such you will be and have a right to expect happiness. (A few that counter that.) But my 70+ years of living tell me that it just ain't so!

[@mmmmmmmmm4334]

Excellent! Truly Excellent! Listen and l earn … your Happiness may very well be at stake.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

And think how far we've come ( fallen ) since this was written... prophetic indeed.

[@hmmm...............]

We are no more or less fallen since this has been written. We simply hear about it more because the world is connected through something called the internet, so the bad news never stops flooding in. There is no more or less of it. It's just that we hear more about it.

[@Jesusiscoming24]

​@@hmmm............... ... Not true ... Crime is fare worse then in years past ... Storms are fare worse then in the past ... Gay rights went from shameful to now trans men dancing to kids in church and schools

[@willrobinson1229]

This discourse of C.S. Lewis helps to shed light on why St. Paul and the Bible in general condemn sexual immorality.

[@davido3026]

Sexual inmorality is obvious, not need for a prophet or an apostle

[@peaceturtleinfinity]

CS Lewis was a master.

[@charlesmorris8791]

Wisdom Indeed...

[@bioches]

Explains why our society is in such a miserable state. We’ve been told to do whatever makes you happy which is such a selfish claim

[@davido3026]

They had removed God first!!!

[@baboon_bandito]

Brilliant. I now have to acquire his writings.

[@qboxer]

What a wonderful essay.

[@lockwoodthexton]

Lewis was decades ahead of his time. Either that or these things are timeless. I'll have to get back to you on that.

[@chocopappy]

Happiness is the thing we share when it finds us, not a feeling we can inspire on demand.

[@debraaguilar3614]

5:34 5:35 it is the pursuit of happiness…you can never own it…. Joy is different …. Joy is a strength that can always be with you..

[@deborahburroughs8905]

Well The Joy Of The Lord is our Happiness ❤

[@royortiz6815]

CS Lewis definitely had a profound impact on philosophy and Christian theology. I also admire reading Robert Frost in " The Road Less Traveled " .

[@thomasgerace4354]

Americans have the right to PURSUE happiness…not the right to happiness itself. It’s an important distinction.

[@davido3026]

Who gave Americans that right? When? Where?

[@hmmm...............]

They simply mean that the American founding fathers wrote it in the Constitution. So since then, we've considered it a right for over two hundred years now.

[@konstantinmorgunov196]

Pushing God aside will only complicate your life. I was (mis)diagnosed with not only SAD and Anxiety disorder but Chemical-imbalance which has been formerly known as alcoholism/drug addiction, I fell into the trap of accepting the "fact" that I'm going to die a heroin addict and an alcoholic, tossed my career, all my possessions, marriage, relationship with my loved ones, down the drain to become a career "street pharmacist". I traded my brother's and sisters marriages, my grandparents funerals, quality time with my close friends and loved ones for a circular-life fueled by addiction, violence, pain, anger, withdrawal and blaming others for the mistakes I made. Meanwhile God was patiently waiting and protecting me... Although it took me well over 10 years, I gave up the self-reliant lifestyle to our Lord Jesus Christ and my dad at least got to see his son come home before he passed from a heart-attack in my arms on the bathroom floor. Although I really, really miss him, I can't wait to join him in praising God for everything good He has done in my life...

[@Featherfinder]

Praise God, that is wonderful to hear! I’m so, so happy for you and so glad you have the comfort of reuniting with your dad before he passed away. God bless you; I’m saying a prayer for your continued success and joy.

[@konstantinmorgunov196]

@@Featherfinder Glory be to God and Lord Jesus Christ and thank you kindly for your kindness, comfort and prayers. Always a joy to know there are genuine Christian brothers and sisters out there in this hectic world. 🙏

[@donnagelina8548]

I have a siimilar story. I knew the truth (Jesus) 30 years ago but choose to keep it on the shelf to pursue a secular lifestyle of working, partying, vacationing, in general hedony. I felt guilty all along, so I tried to hide from that by drugs and drinking. One by one they became useless. One by one they caused more misery than enjoyment. I am a strange Christian person in that I don't like crowds and joining so I avoid church. I love the Bible but I choose to read it in video form. I have my "pastors" that I love who are true believers -on KZbin. (for instance, Mike Winger). I am better than I was, but far from good. I still struggle with some of my old habits. But I'm so grateful that I had a brother who was Christian (even he got so disgusted with me that he stopped speaking to me in 2007) and spoke about Jesus and the Bible. He died in 2022 and we never reconciled. Even though he hurt me greatly by giving up on me, and I still wonder to this day if he ever loved me, I have been so immensely thankful for his gift of telling me about Jesus!

[@konstantinmorgunov196]

@@donnagelina8548 Thank you for sharing your story with me. It's always good to hear people turn from the self-reliant lifestyle and learn to cling to the cross when they hurt. I've seen far too many people die without Jesus Christ (although there's always that thought that maybe they cried out to God with their last breath?) and am grateful for His unconditional love and patience. Recovery is definitely a hard and narrow road with all sorts of struggles and challenges, but I'm confident that God will finish what He started in your life. I can totally relate to not being a big fan of crowds because I'm an introvert myself although I lost fear of crowds when I was selling, and now that I have discovered Christ's unconditional love all I want to do is surround myself with brothers and sisters in Christ...Don't give yourself to that which you no longer belong, stay loyal to Jesus Christ, keep reading His word, come to the cross again and again bringing everything to God in prayer, don't be afraid for you have eternal life where pain and suffering is no longer present... God bless you and be strong.

[@donnagelina8548]

@@konstantinmorgunov196 Thank you. Bless you!

[@henrikwakman7776]

That CS Lewis had a very thoughtful, relatable insight.

[@marcaskew61]

The last few lines of the essay are profound and prophetic.

[@RawOne911]

We have happiness because our Father wishes us to have happiness. As long as what makes us happy is living in his Will. Our Father wishes our joy to be full.

[@ScotchIrishHoundsman]

We have absolutely DEVOLVED as far as intellect goes.

[@avidplanes]

That’s why it’s the right to the pursuit of happiness not happiness itself

[@Smarty2able]

I think joy is way better because it means taht nothing can really take it away only God can give you joy when life is chaotic

[@skadiwarrior2053]

Wise words.

[@jennyjessop576]

A great preacher once gave us the congregation the definition of the difference betweeh happiness and joy. Happiness is based on happenings whilst joy is in the spirit within, given by God at conversion. Little things can cause us to feel happy but it generally doesn't last for long. Joy is by far the greater blessing.

[@havefunbesafe]

I think I wait I fast…then I smile.

[@badgerfactory]

It’s super tough. I’m learning struggling for joy. Sick w pneumona jobless broke in debt now paying utilities credit card. Rent 3 months behind and 4 people to support I live a very holy life and told God to do whatever it takes to make me grow etc. now a Job experience and embracing zero hope for earthly circumstances to improve. Abandon all prosperity desires this side of eternity.

[@mr.d.572]

If you have your health there's no reason your circumstances can't improve. God sometimes allows a deluge of rough situations so that we learn to rely on him more. Also to change our focus and priorities. Can anyone else in your family chip in job wise while you're sick with pneumonia? Do you have any kind of support system, like family or a church family?

[@dann547]

Happiness is fleeting. Joy is the great journey and that can be found through a life of wisdom, love and faith.

[@ChrysanthsMum]

The end reminded me of a current video (or many) of a young woman who was angry at the prospect of having to work full time in order to support herself. She felt it unfair that she should need to work 40 hours as it would interfere with her happiness. Mr. Lewis was correct.

[@Window4503]

If I know the video you’re talking about, it wasn’t just about having to work; that’s an oversimplification. She was upset about realizing that this was her life day in and day out until retirement. In other words, she saw the long stretch of life ahead of her and without having God or a concept of eternal life, of course she would feel overwhelmed with despair. It isn’t just having to support yourself, it’s being on a treadmill that never stops. Some bosses don’t care if your parent just died or if you’re sick. Companies lay people off with little warning. The sense of humanity that used to be in the workplace is fading both in admin and in customers who have statistically become more rude and aggressive since COVID. So yeah. She has a point to cry. It’s not just “boo hoo I have to work hard.” It’s a sinner realizing exactly how fallen the world is.

[@ChrysanthsMum]

@@Window4503 When I became a Catholic I took classes. Those classes were taught by an elderly Monsignor who was born before the First World War. He said something I have kept with me for over 30 years. “People think they should find fulfillment in work. That it should make him happy. This is false. You work to live. It feeds and houses your family. Your fulfillment comes from God, from family, from community.” I have lived my life by this. I struggle with religion because I was not raised with it nor was I raised with trust. I am blessed with a husband of 40 years and a daughter who is very much a believer. This makes me happier than you will every know. I worked my whole life. I had good jobs and bad jobs. If it was bad, i explained to the boss what I needed to stay. If that was unattainable I moved on. I was also blessed with a career I loved so work was not difficult for me. Work got me out of my parents house. Work introduced me to my husband. I understand what you’re saying about Covid. Covid made people’s cruelty come to the forefront. Unfortunately, that cruelty was always there. They used to hide it to live in a civil society. Now they do not. Covid did not make me cruel, it made me afraid. Afraid of a society I no longer recognize or respect. But I also attribute that to age and to the fact that I’ve always expected too much from people. I put it on me and my false expectations. Finding God will help her, but realizing that life has hills and valleys. That it is what you make of it. Setting expectations with logic and reason rather than TikTok and comparatively.

[@AzureSymbiote]

You are over-simplifying her problems.

[@boobalooba5786]

Well women "voted" to throw their lives away. Apparently being expected to be a mother and raise children is a fate too unbearable so working as a disposable cog is what they would rather be doing. I feel zero sympathy for any woman who chooses to "support" herself by working a job, none. May they all be miserable.@@Window4503

[@Broken-Flesh]

Rest well C.S Lewis and Ralph Cosham. ❤

[@lukesalazar9283]

Thank you for this

[@deborahd2936]

Happening in my marriage. Happening in our world. He was right.

[@sageseraph5035]

May God have mercy on you, your spouse, and your children (if you have any).

[@barb2793]

So sorry to hear

[@chrismcbee4653]

We all have a right to happiness. We have a right to pursue it.

[@757Church]

Brilliant, as usual! ❤

[@khankrum1]

You can never truly find happiness unless you give happiness!

[@sub.sa.3058]

Wow, this one really got me thinking. I never thought about this in this way. Very insightful

[@dookjade3238]

I love cs lewis

[@bernice9155]

Goosebumps always

[@BennysGamingAttic]

Best narrator ever

[@johnm.4947]

One of the greatest teachers of the 20th century.

[@bonniemoon6790]

Wonderful video he was right and we need this bit of wisdom more now than ever. God bless you for posting.

[@aceyirl]

C.S. Lewis is the goat. Hands down gangsta