Skip to content

Dark Quote by Gene Wolfe

“[T]he very existence of such powers argues a counterforce. We call powers of the first kind dark, though they may use a species of deadly light... and we call those of the second kind bright, though I think that they may at times employ darkness, as a good man nevertheless draws the curtains of…” quote by Gene Wolfe
Download Open image
““[T]he very existence of such powers argues a counterforce. We call powers of the first kind dark, though they may use a species of deadly light... and we call those of the second kind bright, though I think that they may at times employ darkness, as a good man nevertheless draws the curtains of his bed to sleep. Yet there is truth to the talk of darkness and light, because it shows plainly that one implies the other. The tale I read to little Severian said that the universe was but a long word of the Increate's. We, then, are syllables of that word. But the speaking of any word is futile unless there are other words, words that are not spoken. If a beast has but one cry, the cry tells nothing; and even the wind has a multitude of voices, so that those who sit indoors may hear it and know if the weather is tumultuous or mild. The powers we call dark seem to me to be the words the Increate did not speak... and these words must be maintained in a quasi-existence, if the other word, the word spoken is to be distinguished. What is not said can be important - but what is said is more important... And if the seekers after dark things find them, may not the seekers after bright find them as well? And are they not more apt to hand their wisdom on?””

Gene Wolfe

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe, 1980-83

The passage explores the interdependence of opposites—dark and light, spoken and unspoken—suggesting that both are necessary for meaning and that hidden knowledge can be as valuable as explicit truth.

In simple terms: Dark and light depend on each other; hidden words matter.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance and value both expressed and tacit knowledge.

Themes

dualism knowledge language metaphysics spirituality

Mood

thoughtful mysterious introspective

Type

literary philosophical metaphorical

When to use this quote

  • philosophical inquiry
  • creative writing
  • spiritual contemplation
  • academic study
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

binary opposites ineffability cosmic order theology semiotics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize the value of unspoken truths?
  • When might silence be more dangerous than speech?
A Different Perspective

The idea may overlook that some hidden forces can be harmful or misleading.

4.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Gene Wolfe

Explore all 160 Gene Wolfe quotes

More Dark quotes

Browse all 10,201 Dark quotes