Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"إنه أكثر ظلمة بكثير عندما ينطفئ الضوء مما لو لم يضيء أبدًا."

John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
When a light goes out, the darkness feels deeper than if there had never been light at all. This quote highlights the impact of loss. It's like when you’ve experienced something wonderful or someone inspiring, and then it’s gone. The absence feels more intense because you know what you’re missing.

Think about it like this: when you’ve had something really good, say a beautiful friendship or a great opportunity, losing it leaves a void. This void is more profound because you've tasted the sweetness, and now you're left with a lingering emptiness. The contrast is sharp and undeniable.

Take, for instance, the historical context of Thomas Edison and the electric light bulb. Before the invention of the light bulb, people were accustomed to living in a dim world lit by candles and oil lamps. It was just the norm. But once Edison’s light bulbs lit up the night, people realized how transformative it was. If you then took away those light bulbs, the darkness would feel much more oppressive than before. The light had illuminated possibilities, literally and figuratively, and its absence was now acutely felt.

Let’s dive into a personal example. Imagine you’re in a loving relationship that suddenly ends. Before you met this person, you might have been okay with being single. But having experienced the joy and connection of that relationship, the break-up feels devastating. You miss the shared laughter, the comfort of their presence, and the support they provided. The absence is stark because you know exactly what you’ve lost.

So how can we apply this wisdom in our lives? Appreciate the good things while they’re here. Savor those moments, express gratitude, and make the most of the opportunities and relationships you have. But also, prepare yourself for the inevitable changes. Life is full of ebbs and flows. Understanding that the intensity of loss is proportional to the magnitude of what was lost can provide some solace. It’s a reminder that the pain of loss is a reflection of how much something meant to us.

Imagine you’re chatting with a friend over coffee. They’re grieving the loss of a job they loved. They talk about how empty their days feel without the structure and purpose the job provided. You might share this concept with them, explaining that it’s normal to feel so deeply because the job was such a significant part of their life. You could remind them to cherish the positives they experienced and use those memories to fuel their search for new opportunities.

In summary, the darkness that follows the extinguishing of light is a testament to the light’s brilliance. Loss feels heavier because we’re acutely aware of what’s missing. By acknowledging this, we can better navigate the highs and lows of life, cherishing the good and bracing ourselves for the inevitable changes. After all, it’s the light that gives meaning to the dark, and understanding this balance can help us find our way through the shadows.
Related tags
Absence Contrast Darkness Grief Hope Light Loss Melancholy Memory Sorrow
MORE QUOTES BY John Steinbeck
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon