Until you have given up yourself to Him, you will not have a real self.
This quote by C. S. Lewis suggests that one cannot truly know oneself or realize one’s full potential until they have surrendered themselves to a higher power, in this case, God as per Lewis’s Christian beliefs. The “real self” he refers to is not the ego-driven identity shaped by societal norms and expectations, but rather the authentic self that emerges when one aligns with divine will.
The act of giving up oneself does not mean losing individuality or becoming passive; it means letting go of selfish desires and ego-driven pursuits to embrace a life guided by divine wisdom and love. It’s about surrendering control, acknowledging our limitations, and trusting in a higher power for guidance.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in personal development through the practice of mindfulness or spiritual disciplines like meditation which help us detach from our egos and connect with something greater than ourselves. It could also mean aligning our actions with values such as compassion, kindness, humility – qualities often associated with divinity.
Moreover, we live in an age where there is immense pressure to conform to societal expectations – chasing material success at all costs while neglecting our inner growth. This quote reminds us that true fulfillment comes from surrendering these superficial pursuits and seeking alignment with our authentic selves which is inherently connected to the divine.
On a practical level too, “giving up yourself” could translate into service towards others – helping those less fortunate than us without expecting anything in return; thus moving away from selfishness towards altruism which can lead us closer to realizing our real selves.
So whether you believe in God or any other higher power or simply universal human values – this idea encourages you to look beyond your individual needs/desires towards something bigger – be it serving humanity or seeking spiritual growth – for finding your true identity and purpose.
