Artificial light Quote by Parker Palmer
““When we so fear the dark that we demand light around the clock, there can be only one result: artificial light that is glaring and graceless and, beyond its borders, a darkness that grows ever more terrifying as we try to hold it off.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Courage to Teach, Parker Palmer, 1998
Constantly avoiding darkness with artificial light creates a harsh, ineffective glow and makes the unknown seem even scarier.
In simple terms: Avoiding fear with bright but false solutions worsens the unknown.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty rather than over‑illuminate it.
Themes
fear
light
uncertainty
illusion
courage
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- nighttime work
- mental health coping
- creative problem solving
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “darkness” represent in your life?
- How can you face fear without over‑relying on quick fixes?
A Different Perspective
Artificial light can mask issues without solving them, leading to deeper anxiety.
![“Then your fingers moved down to my chin. You pushed it up with your thumb to look at me, almost like you were studying me in the artificial lights above my head. And, I mean, you really looked at me … with eyes like two stars. [...] And I had wings fluttering away inside me all right. Big fat moth…” quote by Lucy Christopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fef/lucy-christopher-4978_artificial-light_then-your-fingers-moved-down-to-my-chin_1483412.jpg)
![“To ensure that no one gained an advantage over anyone else, commercial law [in the 14th century] prohibited innovation in tools or techniques, underselling below a fixed price, working late by artificial light, employing extra apprentices or wife and underage children, and advertising of wares or…” quote by Barbara Tuchman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa3/barbara-tuchman-3945_advantage_to-ensure-that-no-one-gained-an-advantag_2367709.jpg)
