Quote by C.S. Lewis
When two humans have lived together for many years it usually happens that each has tones of voice and expressions of face which are almost unendurably irritating to the other. Work on that. Bring fully into the consciousness of your patient that particular lift of his mother's eyebrows which he learned to dislike in the nursery, and let him think how much he dislikes it. Let him assume that she knows how annoying it is and does it to annoy - if you know your job he will not notice the immense improbability of the assumption. And, of course, never let him suspect that he has tones and looks which similarly annoy her. As he cannot see or hear himself, this easily managed.
Summary
This quote, from C.S. Lewis' book "The Screwtape Letters," highlights the inherent conflicts that arise in long-term relationships due to familiar expressions and tones of voice. The explanation urges the reader to exploit these irritations as a tool for influencing the patient's thoughts and emotions. By making the patient obsess over his mother's annoying facial expressions or tones of voice, the intention is to strengthen negative sentiments towards her. The quote emphasizes manipulating the patient's perception and preventing him from realizing his own behavior may have similar effects on his mother.
By C.S. Lewis
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