Light Bulb Sunset

For centuries, light has been a source of inspiration for great thinkers. Its power to illuminate and hold the darkness at bay has meant that it has become closely linked with the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom; a potent symbol that is still universally recognised today.

The following are just a few quotes from influential figures who’ve been inspired by light for your edification and enlightenment!

The first is from Plato, an incredibly influential philosopher from classical Greece, whose words have inspired us for well over 2000 years. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his most famous student, Aristotle, Plato laid the very foundations of Western philosophy and science.

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” – Plato (428/427 or 424/423 – 348/347 BC)

Next on our list of luminaries is W.B.Yeats, an Irish poet and a founding father of 20th Century literature. The first Irish man to be honoured with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923, his most famous works include The Lake Isle of Inisfree (1893) and When You Are Old (1919).

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats (13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939)

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - William Butler Yeats (13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939)

Edith Wharton was an American writer whose novel The Age of Innocence won a Pulitzer Prize in 1921. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1927, 1928 and 1930 and was renowned as one of the foremost wits of her era.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton (January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937)

A particularly heart-warming and inspirational quote from Helen Keller, an American author, political activist and lecturer, she was the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968)

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968)

To finish, here’s a super one from Harry Potter’s good friend, Dumbledore.

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times. If one only remembers to turn on the light.” (Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore , Professor (July or August, 1881 - June, 1997)“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times. If one only remembers to turn on the light.” (Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore , Professor (July or August, 1881  - June, 1997)

Thanks for reading and, hopefully these quotes will make you think more positively about light and life. And, remember, if you’re on the lookout for still greater illumination, why not visit our website, or call on 0116 321 4120?

You can also send e-mail enquiries to cs@wled.co.uk.