The quote "Suspicion often creates what it suspects," from C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," highlights the idea that our doubts and fears can influence reality. When we approach situations or individuals with suspicion, we can inadvertently foster behaviors or outcomes that confirm our negative expectations. This cycle can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, as our preconceived notions color our perception and interactions with others.
In essence, Lewis suggests that approaching life with a mindset of suspicion may not only distort our reality but also perpetuate a negative cycle. By being wary and mistrustful, we may provoke the very actions we dread, thus making our suspicions a self-fulfilling prophecy. This insight encourages a more open-minded and trusting perspective, emphasizing the importance of examining our assumptions and attitudes toward others.