Stars cannot shine without darkness

Meaning: Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.

Origin: Modern English proverb drawing on universal metaphors of light and darkness found across cultures.

Translations

French: Les étoiles ne peuvent briller sans l'obscurité (literally: Stars cannot shine without darkness)
Spanish: Las estrellas no pueden brillar sin la oscuridad (literally: Stars cannot shine without darkness)
Japanese: 星は暗闇なしに輝くことができない (Hoshi wa kurayami nashi ni kagayaku koto ga dekinai) (literally: Stars cannot shine without darkness)

Even the tallest tower began with a single brick — Every great achievement starts with one humble first step.
He conquers who endures — Persistence and endurance are the ultimate keys to victory.
To lose patience is to lose the battle — Losing your composure under pressure ensures defeat; staying calm is essential to success.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart — With true determination and commitment, any obstacle can be overcome.
A dumb priest never got a parish — Silence and incompetence forfeit advancement; those unable to demonstrate ability through…
April showers bring May flowers — (by extension, figurative) A period of discomfort or hardship can provide the basis for a…

Loading the full interactive collection…