C.S. Lewis's quote, "Easy in but not easily out, as the lobster said in the lobster pot!" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of temptation and entrapment. This vivid metaphor serves to illustrate the ease with which individuals can fall into detrimental situations or habits, and the subsequent difficulty of extricating themselves from those conditions.
In this analogy, the "lobster pot" represents the enticing yet hazardous circumstances that lure individuals in, much like how lobsters are drawn to the bait placed within a trap. The initial ease of entry symbolizes the allure of temptation or addiction, which often appears innocent or harmless at first glance.
The phrase "not easily out" highlights the struggle many face when attempting to break free from these entrapments. Once caught, the lobsters become aware of their predicament, mirroring the realization people often experience when confronting the negative consequences of their choices. This reflects the complexity of human nature: while entering into harmful situations can be simple, escaping from them requires considerable effort, determination, and often, help from others.
Lewis's insight extends beyond personal struggles to encompass societal issues. It can be seen as a commentary on how social systems, habits, or ideologies can ensnare individuals, making it difficult to find a way out. This quote encourages reflection on the choices we make and the potential long-term ramifications of those choices, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and caution in our actions.
In conclusion, this quote serves as a powerful reminder of the seductive nature of temptations and the importance of being vigilant to avoid the traps that can ensnare us.
“Provided that any of those neighbours sing out of tune or have boots that squeak, or double chins, or odd clothes, the patient will quite easily believe that their religion must therefore be somehow ridiculous.”
“The real trouble is that 'kindness' is a quality fatally easy to attribute to ourselves on quite inadequate grounds. Everyone feels benevolent if nothing happens to be annoying him at the moment. Thus a man easily comes to console himself for all his other vices by a conviction that 'his heart's in the right place' and 'he wouldn't hurt a fly,' though in fact he has never made the slightest sacrifice for a fellow creature. We think we are kind when we are only happy: it is not so easy, on the same grounds, to imagine oneself temperate, chaste, or humble.”
“Our prayers for others flow more easily than those for ourselves. This shows we are made to live by charity.”
“I wish I had never been born," she said. "What are we born for?" "For infinite happiness," said the Spirit. "You can step out into it at any moment...”
“But what would have been the good?" Aslan said nothing. "You mean," said Lucy rather faintly, "that it would have turned out all right – somehow? But how? Please, Aslan! Am I not to know?" "To know what would have happened, child?" said Aslan. "No. Nobody is ever told that." "Oh dear," said Lucy. "But anyone can find out what will happen," said Aslan. "If you go back to the others now, and wake them up; and tell them you have seen me again; and that you must all get up at once and follow me – what will happen? There is only one way of finding out.”
“Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable.”