C.S. Lewis: Give a Piece of Advice

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Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods. Certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, ‘sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.’ I know I am very fortunate in that respect.”

C.S. Lewis in The Letters of C.S. Lewis to Arthur Greeves (1914-1963) (Springfield: Collier, 1986) 477.

I just spent quality time with old friends and new ones in South Dakota. As topics came up, we would share advice. Advice is a gift we can share generously, but we must avoid giving it in unsolicited ways. We can navigate this by asking good questions to demonstrate we really care. So, think of good questions and give advice generously.

Consider the value of friendship, especially during COVID. It’s really hard to get together with people. If this is something that you are fortunate to enjoy, be sensitive to the needs of others as many are lonely and suffering during COVID. Many are really missing those they love. Reach out to people in friendship and find happiness in return.