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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness en · X

Etymology

Often claimed to be an ancient Chinese proverb. Also often misattributed to Eleanor Roosevelt. Earliest known usage is a 1907 sermon by English preacher William Lonsdale Watkinson.

Meanings

  1. Even in the face of hopelessness and discontent, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response, than to complain about the situation.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
better to light a candle than to curse the darkness alternative lexicographic
better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness alternative lexicographic
better to light one candle than to curse the darkness alternative lexicographic

Translations (6)

cmn 不如点燃一根蜡烛 (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good) · cmn 與其詛咒黑暗，不如點燃一根蠟燭 /与其诅咒黑暗 (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good) · fi marjakin on poimittava maasta (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good) · tr karanlığa söveceğine bir mum yak (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good) · pt em vez de amaldiçoar a escuridão, é melhor acender uma vela (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good) · es es mejor encender una sola vela que maldecir a la penumbra (in bad times it is worthwhile to do good)