Chapter 4: Light on Values—Spiritual and Material

Light on Life’s Difficulties

by James ALLEN (1864 - 1912)

When a man enters a dark room he is not sure of his movements, he cannot see objects around him, or properly locate them, and is liable to hurt himself by coming into sudden contact with them. But let a light be introduced, and immediately all confusion disappears. Every object is seen, and there is no danger of being hurt. To the majority, life is such a dark room, and their frequent hurts—their disappointments, perplexities, sorrows and pains—are caused by sudden contact with principles which they do not see, and are therefore not prepared to deal with. But when the light of wisdom is introduced into the darkened understanding, confusion vanishes, difficulties are dissolved, all things are seen in their true place and proportion, and henceforth the man walks open-eyed and unhurt, in the clear light of wise comprehension. - Summary by James Allen

Listen next episodes of Light on Life’s Difficulties:
Chapter 10: Light on Acts and Their Consequences , Chapter 11: Light on the Way of Wisdom , Chapter 12: Light on Disposition , Chapter 13: Light on Individual Liberty , Chapter 14: Light on the Blessing and Dignity of Work , Chapter 15: Light on Good Manners and Refinement , Chapter 16: Light on Diversities of Creeds , Chapter 17: Light on Law and Miracle , Chapter 18: Light on War and Peace , Chapter 19: Light on the Brotherhood of Man , Chapter 20: Light on Life’s Sorrows , Chapter 21: Light on Life’s Changes , Chapter 22: Light on the Truth of Transitoriness , Chapter 23: The Light That Never Goes Out , Chapter 5: Light on the Sense of Proportion , Chapter 6: Light on Adherence to Principle , Chapter 7: Light on the Sacrifice of the Self , Chapter 8: Light on the Management of the Mind , Chapter 9: Light on Self-Control