“No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”
>
— C.S. Lewis
This topic has been extensively researched and documented by historians and scholars.
This profound statement from C.S. Lewis seems backward at first glance. Shouldn’t trying to be good make us feel better about ourselves? Lewis, a celebrated author and theologian, suggests the opposite. He argues that the earnest attempt to live a virtuous life is what truly reveals our deepest flaws. The struggle itself acts as a diagnostic tool. It uncovers the internal resistance, selfishness, and pride that lie dormant when we are not challenging ourselves. This quote isn’t about despair; it’s a powerful insight into the nature of self-awareness and humility.
The Paradox of Self-Improvement
Typically, we believe that moral effort leads directly to a sense of accomplishment. However, Lewis presents a more complex reality. Imagine trying to paint a perfectly straight line without a ruler. The intense focus required makes every tiny tremor and deviation in your hand painfully obvious. Before you tried, you might have thought your hand was steady. The effort to achieve perfection revealed the imperfection that was always there. The same principle applies to morality.
When we live passively, we rarely confront our own shortcomings. We can easily convince ourselves that we are generally good people. But the moment we set a high standard—to be unfailingly patient, completely honest, or truly selfless—we begin to see the truth. The effort to be patient illuminates our quick temper. The commitment to honesty exposes our frequent use of small, convenient lies. Consequently, the pursuit of goodness becomes a mirror, reflecting the parts of our character we would prefer to ignore. This process is not a failure but a necessary step toward genuine self-knowledge.
The Light of a Higher Standard
Without a standard to aim for, we have no measure of our own character. It is only when we try to reach a higher moral ground that we notice the chasm between our aspirations and our actions. For example, a person might not consider themselves greedy. Yet, if they decide to practice radical generosity, they may discover a surprising attachment to their possessions and money. This internal conflict was always present. However, the new moral goal brought it to the surface.
This experience prevents us from becoming self-righteous. People who do not seriously strive for virtue can easily judge others. They are unaware of their own capacity for failure. In contrast, those who genuinely try and often fail develop a deeper sense of humility. They understand the difficulty of the struggle firsthand. This awareness can foster compassion for others who also fall short. Therefore, the revelation of our