“Clarity of thought is a shining point in a vast expanse of unrelieved darkness. Genius is not so much a light as it is a constant awareness of the surrounding gloom”
Preface
His Master's Voice (1968)
Context: Clarity of thought is a shining point in a vast expanse of unrelieved darkness. Genius is not so much a light as it is a constant awareness of the surrounding gloom, and its typical cowardice is to bathe in its own glow and avoid, as much as possible, looking out beyond its boundary. No matter how much genuine strength it may contain, there is also, inevitably, a considerable part that is only the pretense of that strength.
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Stanisław Lem 74
Polish science fiction author 1921–2006Related quotes
“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.”
“Surrounded by darkness yet enfolded in light”
Source: Moloka'i
“Look!" said Foaly, pointing with some urgency into the vast steel-gray gloom, "Someone who cares!”
Source: The Atlantis Complex
Founding Address (1876)
Context: The world is dark around us and the prospect seems deepening in gloom. and yet there is light ahead. On the volume of the past in starry characters it is written — the starry legend greets us shining through the misty vistas of the future — that the great and noble shall not perish from among the sons of men, that the truth will triumph in the end, and that even the humblest of her servants may in this become the instrument of unending good. We are aiding in laying the foundations of a mighty edifice, whose completion shall not be seen in our day, no, nor in centuries upon centuries after us. But happy are we, indeed, if we can contribute even the least towards so high a consummation. The time calls for action. Up, then, and let us do our part faithfully and well. And oh, friends, our children's children will hold our memories dearer for the work which we begin this hour.
“It is in the dark times that the light of friendship shines brightest.”
Source: The Walk
“Yesterday's clarity is today's stupidity
The universe has dark and light, entrust oneself to change”
As quoted in Ikkyū and The Crazy Cloud Anthology : A Zen Poet of Medieval Japan (1986) by Sonja Arntzen.
Context: Natural, reckless, correct skill;
Yesterday's clarity is today's stupidity
The universe has dark and light, entrust oneself to change
One time, shade the eyes and gaze afar at the road of heaven.
“Even with these dark eyes, a gift of the dark night
I go to seek the shining light.”
"A Generation" [Yidai ren]