Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.

"Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself." These timeless words by Desiderius Erasmus carry a profound message about the power of truth, wisdom, and compassion. At the heart of this simple yet powerful statement lies the understanding that darkness—whether literal or metaphorical—cannot endure when the light of knowledge, understanding, and love is present. Darkness does not resist the light; it fades in its presence. Erasmus speaks of this light not as a physical glow, but as the light of enlightenment, the wisdom that comes when we choose to act from a place of goodness and truth. By shining this light into the world, we naturally dispel the shadows that cloud our minds, our hearts, and our societies.

Consider the very essence of darkness in this context. Darkness is not merely the absence of light, but also the presence of ignorance, fear, and hatred. It is in the unknown that fear grows, and in the absence of compassion that bitterness festers. Yet, just as a single candle can brighten a dark room, a single act of kindness, a single word of truth, or a single moment of understanding can transform an entire situation. Light symbolizes the ability to see clearly, to act with integrity, and to choose the path that leads to understanding and peace. When we offer that light, whether through our words, our actions, or simply our presence, we begin to dissolve the darkness that once seemed so impenetrable.

The story of Mahatma Gandhi exemplifies this idea of light dispelling darkness. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and truth was a beacon that illuminated the path for millions of people who were trapped in the shadows of oppression and injustice. His commitment to ahimsa — the belief in harmlessness and compassion — was the light he offered to a world steeped in colonial rule and racial inequality. His actions, born from the light of truth and justice, inspired countless others and brought India to independence. Gandhi did not fight the darkness of imperialism with weapons, but with the light of conscience, courage, and moral clarity. His life shows us that when we shine the light of our highest values, the darkness of injustice and hatred begins to fade.

Similarly, consider the story of Nelson Mandela. For decades, Mandela fought against the darkness of apartheid in South Africa, a system built on the shadows of racism, fear, and division. While imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela did not let the darkness of hatred consume him. Instead, he allowed the light of forgiveness and reconciliation to guide him. Upon his release, Mandela became the embodiment of the truth that light, even in its smallest form, has the power to displace the darkness that holds a nation in fear and division. His leadership was grounded in the belief that love, not hatred, is the force that transforms societies. By choosing to lead with light, Mandela showed the world that the most enduring changes come not through conflict, but through the illumination of the heart.

In our own lives, the lesson is clear: to dispel the darkness in our hearts and in the world around us, we need only to offer light. Whether we are facing personal struggles or witnessing global injustices, we must remember that every act of kindness, every pursuit of truth, and every moment of self-reflection serves to bring more light into the world. Darkness cannot hold sway where the light is allowed to flourish. It is through our actions—through living with integrity, speaking with honesty, and acting with compassion—that we contribute to the illumination of the world around us. The shadows may appear overwhelming at times, but the light we carry within us has the power to dispel them.

This is not to say that darkness will disappear instantly or completely. As Erasmus knew, the world is full of both light and dark, and we may face challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But by choosing to give light, by sharing the goodness within us, we bring about change in ways both seen and unseen. The more we choose to live in accordance with the light of truth, the darkness begins to recede, not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us. The act of giving light—of offering hope, understanding, and compassion—is one of the most powerful tools we have to transform the world.

The lesson we can take from Erasmus is this: in times of struggle, in the presence of darkness, do not seek to battle the shadows with force or bitterness. Instead, seek to illuminate them with the light of your own actions, your own kindness, and your own unwavering commitment to truth. The darkness cannot stand against it. Begin by shining a light in your own life, and in doing so, you will find that the world around you begins to reflect the brilliance of your inner light. Whether through small moments of compassion or great acts of courage, the power to dispel the darkness is within you. Give light, and the shadows will fade—this is the eternal truth that we must carry with us into every moment.