A glowing gold lantern with star cutouts sits among small decorative objects against deep blue darkness.

Original artwork, not a still

Henry David Thoreau

The heroic actions are performed by such as are oppressed by the meanness of their lives. As in thickest darkness the stars shine brightest.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Attributed to Thoreau, this says heroic deeds come from people weighed down by small, mean lives. Just as stars shine brightest in the thickest darkness, courage stands out against hardship. The darkness becomes the backdrop that makes bravery visible.

Context reviewed

Share this quote