Skip to content

Dark Quote by Catherynne M. Valente

“That’s all a shadow is—and though you might be prejudiced against the dark, you ought to remember that that’s where stars live, and the moon and raccoons and owls and fireflies and mushrooms and cats and enchantments and a rather lot of good, necessary things. Thieving, too, and conspiracies…” quote by Catherynne M. Valente
Download Open image
““That’s all a shadow is—and though you might be prejudiced against the dark, you ought to remember that that’s where stars live, and the moon and raccoons and owls and fireflies and mushrooms and cats and enchantments and a rather lot of good, necessary things. Thieving, too, and conspiracies, sneaking, secrets, and desire so strong you might faint dead away with the punch of it. But your light side isn’t a perfectly pretty picture, either, I promise you. You couldn’t dream without the dark. You couldn’t rest. You couldn’t even meet a lover on a balcony by moonlight. And what would the world be worth without that? You need your dark side, because without it, you’re half gone.””

Catherynne M. Valente

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, 2011

Darkness is essential; it gives depth to light, enabling dreams, love, and mystery.

In simple terms: Darkness makes light meaningful.

Key Takeaway

Embrace both light and dark aspects.

Themes

balance duality creativity growth

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • relationships
  • personal growth
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

shadow light desire mystery necessity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your “dark side” inspire?
  • How can you channel shadow into creativity?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasizing darkness can lead to despair.

4.7 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Catherynne M. Valente

Explore all 621 Catherynne M. Valente quotes

More Dark quotes

Browse all 10,198 Dark quotes