Who Said It? We realize the importance of light when we see darkness.
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Source hyperlink In this increasingly complex and uncertain world, it often can be difficult to find the right words of comfort and wisdom to guide us. One timeless gem that resonates both on an emotional and logical level is the phrase: “We realize the importance of light when we see darkness.”
The origin of this thought-provoking phrase is unknown — some attribute it to the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, while others credit it to the beloved American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. Though the authorship may remain unclear across time, the essential meaning of this phrase is powerful and clear.
Outlining the physical reality of light and darkness metaphorically, it implies that without contrast, we would not be able to appreciate the beauty of light and the gifts it brings. Most often, this is interpreted to mean that in order for us to recognize and feel gratitude for joy, we must also experience sadness and know what it is to be in despair. It is only in the juxtaposition that we can understand the extremes of our emotions and even begin to appreciate the complexity and colors of life.
This quote is also pertinent in a larger sense, reminding us that without darkness, we fail to understand the true nature of light. Whether used to represent the spiritual understanding of love versus fear, or the power of knowledge to extinguish ignorance, the phrase serves to remind us to celebrate the light even in the darkest of times.
Ultimately, on whatever level it is interpreted, this short phrase may arguably be one of the most quoted and revered in history. It implores us to embrace and respect both the darkness as well as the light, and to search for the beauty that lies between.
