Though under earth, and throneless now I be Yet while I lived all earth was under me.
What did C. S. Lewis mean by:

Though under earth, and throneless now I be Yet while I lived all earth was under me.

This quote, “Though under earth, and throneless now I be Yet while I lived all earth was under me,” is a reflection on power, legacy, and the impermanence of life. The speaker acknowledges their current state of being ‘under earth,’ a metaphor for death or downfall. They are ‘throneless,’ indicating that they were once in a position of authority or influence but have since lost it.

However, the second part of the quote remembers a time when they were alive and influential – when ‘all earth was under’ them. This could mean that they had control over their surroundings or perhaps had significant impact on others’ lives.

The idea expressed here is one of transient power and influence. No matter how much control we seem to have in our lifetimes, ultimately we all face death (‘under earth’) and loss (‘throneless’). Yet this doesn’t negate the potential influence we can wield while alive.

Applying this concept to today’s world or personal development might involve recognizing that our time is limited but valuable. We should strive to make positive impacts with whatever influence we possess – whether it’s within our families, communities, workplaces etc., knowing well that these positions are fleeting.

In terms of personal development, it encourages us to be humble yet assertive in using our abilities for good; understanding that although one day we will lose our ‘throne’ (whether it symbolizes youth, physical strength or material wealth), what truly matters is how effectively we used those resources when we had them at disposal.

It also suggests an acceptance of mortality as part of life’s journey rather than fearing it as an end – encouraging us to focus more on living fully in present instead of worrying about inevitable future losses.

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