It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness
Meaning: Taking constructive action is more effective than complaining about a problem.
Origin: Often called an ancient Chinese proverb, but the earliest known version is in a sermon by the English preacher William L. Watkinson, printed in 1907: "Yet is it far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness." The sermon was reprinted that year in a China missionary magazine, which may explain the Chinese label. Father James Keller later made it the motto of his Christophers movement.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Il vaut mieux allumer une bougie que de maudire l'obscurité (literally: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness)
- Spanish: Es mejor encender una vela que maldecir la oscuridad (literally: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness)
- Japanese: 暗闇を呪うより、ろうそくに火を灯せ (Kurayami wo norou yori, rōsoku ni hi wo tomose) (literally: Rather than cursing the darkness, light a candle)
- German: Es ist besser, eine Kerze anzuzünden, als über die Dunkelheit zu klagen (literally: It is better to light a candle than to complain about the darkness)
More proverbs about Challenge
- When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion — Collective effort by many can overcome even the most powerful opposition.
- It is not the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the dog — Determination and spirit matter far more than physical size or advantage.
- The obstacle is the path — Difficulties are not barriers to our goals but the very means by which we achieve them.
- After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb — Every achievement reveals further challenges ahead; success is a continuous journey.
- Fortune favors the prepared mind — Success comes not from luck alone but from being ready to seize opportunities when they a…
- Every wall is a door — What appears to be an impassable barrier can be transformed into an opportunity.
From our compliments & insults
- Tienes mucho corazón — You're extraordinarily generous and warm — you give more than you need to.
- Tienes mucho arte — You have natural flair, charm, and creative talent — an effortless quality that can't be…
- Eres todo un personaje — Said with deep affection: you're unforgettable, one of a kind, impossible to replace.