Stars cannot shine without darkness
Meaning: Hardship and struggle are what allow our greatest qualities to become visible.
Origin: The idea goes back at least to Thomas Carlyle, who wrote in 1843 that the eternal stars shine out again as soon as it is dark enough. This short modern wording is credited to several recent authors, and no first source has been settled.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, and Japanese
- 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)
More proverbs about Perseverance
- 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…
From our compliments & insults
- Sei un salame — You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
- Eres más corto que las mangas de un chaleco — You're not the sharpest — a bit slow on the uptake.
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.