Lightning Quote by Neil Gaiman
““Sometimes the ship would sail above dark storm clouds, as big as mountains, and the crew would fish for lightning bolts with a small copper chest.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, 2013
The quote uses fantastical imagery to illustrate confronting overwhelming challenges with modest tools, highlighting courage and ingenuity.
In simple terms: Facing huge problems with small resources requires bravery.
Key Takeaway
Use imagination to tackle big obstacles.
Themes
courage
creativity
adversity
Mood
dramatic
hopeful
Type
narrative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- stormy crises
- personal setbacks
- team projects
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
mythic symbolism
resourcefulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn limited means into strengths?
- What does “fishing for lightning” suggest about risk?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify the need for adequate preparation or support.
![“[T]hey could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.” quote by Neil Gaiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/19e/neil-gaiman-29_amused_t-hey-could-not-help-being-amused-every_4551.jpg)
![“Even when lightning flashes inside them [clouds], we say they are only clouds and turn our attention to the next meal, next pain, next breath, the next page. This is how we go on.” quote by Sidney Sheldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ac/sidney-sheldon-7520_carry-on_even-when-lightning-flashes-inside-them_6003.jpg)
