Light has been around for a long time.  Consider the quote:  “Then God said: ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”  (Bible, Genesis 1:3.)  Once created, light filled the universe quickly.  Physicists calculate that light travels approximately 186,000 miles per second, and functions as part of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity; i.e. energy equals mass time the speed of light squared.  (Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, Space.com) 

Everyone hopes to shine a little light into the world whenever and wherever we see an opportunity.  Obviously, Some of us shine more light than others, while some remain in the dark.  Historically, during the daylight hours, the principal source of light came from the sun; but during the night time hours, most humans relied on some kind of fire to brighten their surroundings. 

In about 600BC, Ancient Rome created candles by dipping into various forms of fat, tallow and wax.  Candles continued to be the prime source of night light until the twentieth century with the discovery and implementation of of electricity.  The world illuminated the night through candles (or oil lamps) for over 2,600 years. 

To be sure, light has been a frequent topic of poets, writers, composers and philosophers.  Some thought inspiring quotes follow:

— “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.  Edith Warton (1862—1937) 

— “To light a candle is to cast a shadow.”  Ursula K. LeGuin (1929–2018).  I suppose one cannot see some light without some darkness. 

— An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?  Rene Descartes (1596–1650)

— My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends — it gives a lovely light.”  Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892—1950)

— There are two kinds of light — the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.”  James Thurber (1894–1961)

— “Light tomorrow with today!”  Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)

— “As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”  Carl Jung (1875–1961)

— “Sometimes that light at the end of a tunnel is a train.”  Charles Barkley (b1963)