“Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Beyond the Quote (321/365)
Darkness is not something you battle. It’s not something you fight. It’s not something you can punch, kick, hit, push, shove, or choke. For darkness takes no form. It has no body. It takes no shape. It’s not something that will ever submit. Darkness is an absence—an absence of light. And the only way to combat an absence is with a presence.
It’s foolish to wage war on an absence. And yet, that is precisely what is happening all around us in the world today: wars being waged on darkness. People waging war against the darkness found within… People waging war on the perceived darkness seen in others… Wars being fought against absence with all of the might of the human spirit… To create more light? I think not. To create more of exactly what’s being fought against.
For, what results from war but more darkness? Light doesn’t come from destruction. Light comes from creation. Light doesn’t come from hate. Light comes from love. In the contest against darkness, it is the tiniest of candles that prevails against even the largest of weapons. It is the light of appreciation, the shine of belief, and the glow of love that dispels the surrounding darkness. No other strategy comes even close.
So, for all of those who are battling against an inner or an outer darkness: lay down your weapons. Unclench your fists. Be done with your plots for revenge. It is an absence that you are up against. Fill those voids with light, instead. Pick up a candle. Join hands with those near. And begin your plots to build rather than to destroy. For, this is the real winning strategy against the war on darkness. The opposite will only leave us more engulfed with darkness than we were before.
Read Next: Don’t Fix Me. Love Me For What Is Broken.
NEW In The Shop: Don’t Let The Tame Ones Tell You How To Live [Poster]
Why We ♥ It: Some of the best advice I (Matt here) ever got was: don’t take life advice from people who aren’t living a life you want to live and don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t go to for advice. I created this poster to act as a reminder to listen more closely to our role models and less closely to our critics, trolls, and tamed-comfort-zone-hugger acquaintances. It’s also a perfect gift for the outdoor adventurer, travel enthusiast, or solo explorer (or soon to be). Available in print or digital download. 👇🏼
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Written by Matt Hogan
Founder of MoveMe Quotes. On a mission to help busy people do inner work—for better mental health; for healing; for personal growth. Find me on Twitter / IG / Medium. I also share daily insights here. 🌱
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