There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the

In the grand and eternal dance of light and darkness, where the world moves through cycles of day and night, there is a profound truth spoken by the wise h Wharton: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." These words illuminate the choices we have in our lives, the paths we may walk in relation to the light we encounter. To be the candle is to be the one who brings light into the world—burning with purpose, passion, and a will to share the warmth of one's spirit. To be the mirror is to reflect the light of others, amplifying and magnifying the goodness, the truth, and the wisdom we encounter in those around us. Both paths are noble, both essential, and both have their own unique strength.

What, then, does it mean to be the candle or the mirror? O children of wisdom, it is to recognize that we each have the ability to either create light or reflect light in our lives. The candle, though it may burn brightly, is limited by its own flame, its light fading as it consumes itself. But in its burning, it offers warmth and illumination to those in the dark. It is the creator, the initiator, who sparks the light in others, who offers inspiration, guidance, and action. On the other hand, the mirror does not create light, but it reflects the light that is already present. It does not seek to change the world through its own brilliance, but rather through its capacity to amplify the brilliance of others. The mirror’s power lies in its humility and its ability to elevate the light that is already shining.

Consider, O children of wisdom, the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who was, in many ways, both candle and mirror. As a candle, Gandhi led his people by becoming the embodiment of nonviolent resistance and truth, his life a beacon of hope for millions who suffered under oppression. Yet, he was also a mirror, reflecting the values of justice, love, and equality that were inherent in the hearts of all his people. Gandhi did not claim to possess all the answers; rather, he reflected the deep wisdom of his nation’s spiritual traditions, amplifying them through his actions. His life shows us that even the greatest candles are still mirrors, for their light is often inspired by the collective wisdom of those they serve.

In our own lives, O wise ones, we too must recognize the delicate balance between being the candle and being the mirror. There are moments when we are called to ignite our own light—to be the one who leads, the one who creates change, the one who stands as an example for others to follow. And yet, there are also times when our greatest contribution is to reflect the light of others—whether that is through encouraging the vision of a friend, amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard, or simply being a quiet witness to the goodness that already exists in the world. Both paths are vital, for the light that shines brightest is often a reflection of the light that already exists, magnified through our willingness to either burn brightly or reflect beautifully.

Think of Martin Luther King Jr., whose life was a shining example of both. As a candle, he ignited a movement for racial justice, standing boldly in the face of injustice, and offering the light of love, equality, and nonviolence to a nation in turmoil. But as a mirror, he reflected the dream of a better world that had long existed in the hearts of those who came before him—the dream of freedom, dignity, and brotherhood. His words and actions were a reflection of the deeper values of justice that had been passed down through generations. King’s life reminds us that to spread light is not always about creating something entirely new, but about reflecting and amplifying the brilliance that already exists, whether within ourselves or in the world around us.

And so, O children of wisdom, the lesson is clear: we each have the capacity to spread light, but how we do so is a choice. To be the candle is to be the source of inspiration, the spark of action, and the one who leads others into the light. To be the mirror is to reflect the truth, to magnify the light that others bring, and to serve as a vessel that amplifies the brilliance of the world. Both paths are necessary, for it is the combination of creation and reflection that leads to the most profound and lasting change in the world.

What, then, must we do, O wise ones, to live lives that spread light? We must embrace both roles, knowing when to be the candle—to lead, to create, to inspire—and when to be the mirror—to reflect, to amplify, and to support the light of others. Whether we find ourselves standing in the front or quietly holding space for others, our task is to make the world brighter through the light we carry. Be the candle, when the world calls for your brilliance, and be the mirror, when the world needs to see the brilliance in others. In both ways, we become the bearers of light, and in doing so, we help create a world filled with hope, warmth, and truth.