The Spark From Without

“I do not believe that we can put into anyone, ideas which are not theirs already. As a rule there are in everyone all sorts of good ideas, ready like kindling. But much of this kindling catches fire, or catches it successfully, only when it meets some flame or spark from outside, from some other person. Often, too, our own light goes out, and is rekindled by some experience we go through with a fellow person. Thus we have each of us cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flames within us. If we had before us, those who have been a blessing to us, and could tell them about it, they would be amazed to learn what passed over from their life ours.”

– From THE SPARK FROM WITHOUT
by Albert Schweitzer: An Anthology

Albert Schweitzer (1875 – 1965)
1952 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate