This phrase is often identified as a “Chinese Proverb.” However, it was Peter Benenson, who was instrumental in the creation of human rights organization Amnesty International, who used the phrase in connection with Amnesty's symbol: a lit candle wrapped in barbed wire.

Isaiah 9:2

those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them…

This piece of advice is also common in AA circles. The implication is that even when your sobriety doesn't feel right you should not give up as the program will make sense with time. It is also used in other settings such as making a relationship work, going to church, working through depression and staying in school. It is not the same as simply being optimistic. It…

Nike ® found fewer words to say, “Action is the foundational key to all success.” Pablo Picasso usually gets the nod for this longer version but a particular context never appears. In my research, I came across a book of his entitled One Liners. I expected witticisms, but what I got were drawings of his that he made without taking his pencil off the paper. There are a few…

These common words echo the sentiment of other sayings including the Latin carpe diem, which translates in English as “seize the day.” Also familiar is “eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.” (1 Corinthians 15:32) The context of these words means so much. If the focus is on the here and now, then it is a call to make the most of things, perhaps meaning, literally, eat and…

Very similar words, depending on the translation, appear in chapter 64 of the Tao Te Ching written by Lao Tsu over 2500 years ago. It is surrounded by a number of similar phrases all saying that very big things begin with small things.  However, it is the words that precede the proverb which give it particular meaning: “manage before things get out of order.” We are…

While Quaker worship is quiet and patient, that does not imply that  Quakers are to lead lives entirely marked by retreat and reflection.  There is always the call to make a difference; To put action into words.  Quakers ask[i], “Do we partake in the joy of love of God and make our lives a celebration of the sharing of this love?”[ii]  The…