The following is part of a series exploring quotations attributed to C.S. Lewis that are questionable for one reason or another. My book (THE MISQUOTABLE C.S. LEWIS, releasing by May, 2018) collects material presented so far and will contain expressions not yet posted here (plus existing online material is updated in the book). That book will contain 75 quotations, so there are many quotes not yet posted (over two dozen). With so much material left, I hope to post a new quote each week.
There is an “at a glance” page (CLICK HERE) to quickly see what has been posted so far in this series, which also includes a list of the other quotes I’ve identified as questionable. Also, if you haven’t already, consider reading the INTRODUCTION to this series to gain an understanding of the three main categories.
“You won’t get credit for bowing when standing isn’t an option.”
Most quotations that appear questionable are so unlike anything Lewis would ever write that those who are familiar with his writings can spot them a mile away. However, when I was first alerted to his one (via a question posted in my Confirming Lewis Quotes Facebook Group), I felt it was something by Lewis, but it seemed a little “off.” Nevertheless, I tried my typical way of determining if an expression is falsely attributed; I tried to eliminate the possibility that someone else wrote it, along with attempting to figure out how Lewis might have actually wrote it. However, when something is a paraphrase of him, then it is more difficult to track down the correct words.
My original research found that this “almost” Lewis quotation is not too commonly posted in social media; at least, not yet. In fact, I couldn’t find it listed in any books when I searched Google Books. Therefore, it seems this is a more recent paraphrase from someone whom we don’t know created it.
Ironically, what Lewis actually said is not all that superior to the rephrasing. But, of course, if you summarize his thoughts, then it is important to note that. What Lewis actually said that is found in the fifth chapter of the second book of Mere Christianity (thanks to Bill Slater who discovered this before I did and shared it in the FB group). There, Lewis is addressing why God doesn’t just impose His will on us and he stated, “There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up.”
The next article is:
Related Articles:
Exploring C.S. Lewis Misquotes and Misconceptions (6-part podcast series)
What Lewis NEVER Wrote (Podcast)
Not Quite Lewis – Podcast Version
Not Quite Lewis – Questionable Lewisian Quotations (Conf. Paper)
Updated 2/24/2018
