"灯りがともったことがなかったならばそれほど暗くはならない。"
— John Steinbeck
Simplified Meaning:
When you experience something good or positive and then lose it, the loss feels much worse than if you had never experienced it at all. Imagine you find an amazing new hobby that brings you joy, like painting. Now, imagine that something happens and you can no longer paint. The sadness and disappointment you feel are much stronger because you know what you’re missing. If you had never discovered painting, you wouldn’t know the joy it could bring, and you wouldn’t feel such a strong sense of loss. This idea teaches us that while experiencing good things can make their loss harder, it also enriches our lives by giving us beautiful memories and experiences. It reminds us to appreciate and cherish the good moments we have, understanding that their eventual loss is a reflection of how much they meant to us.