Explaining "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 24/02/2025, 15:17

English.me team member

What does it mean?

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness

This proverb means that it is more beneficial to take action to solve a problem than to complain about it. Instead of lamenting the negative aspects of a situation, one should do something to make it better, no matter how small the effort might seem.

Tone

Motivational and encouraging.

Origin

The exact origin is uncertain, but it is often attributed to an ancient Chinese proverb. The phrase was popularized in the West by American educator William L. Watkinson in a sermon in 1907. It was later adopted as a motto by Amnesty International in the 1960s.

Examples of usage

Facing the increasing pollution in his city, he decided to organize a community cleanup, believing it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
She chose to tutor underprivileged children after school because she thinks it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
When the company faced a major setback, the CEO reminded everyone that it's better to light a candle than curse the darkness and encouraged the team to find solutions.