By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Author, lecturer, and disability rights advocate Helen Keller wrote these words in a letter to a friend in 1890. But the person to whom she’s really directing this insight is her younger self. In the letter, she reflects on becoming deaf and blind at 19 months old. She recalls feelings of deprivation and isolation, believing that “everybody [else] was always happy.” With perspective, however, she grew to appreciate the benefits that came with surviving hardships. In this quote, she highlights bravery and patience — two undeniably remarkable virtues — but leaves out the underlying reason for her bravery and patience in the first place: hope, her ability to find light where there was none; to see in the dark.
Quotes To Help You Tap Into Your Inner Strength
12 Funny Quotes From the Women of ‘SNL’
Quotes About Why Foolishness Can Be a Virtue
11 Quotes To Help a Friend Through a Tough Time
14 Motivational Quotes From Super Bowl-Winning Coaches
11 Fiery Quotes for the Year of the Dragon
The Funniest Literary One-Liners
13 Motivating Quotes for When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
The Classics: Quotes From History’s Greatest Poems
20 of the Most Popular Quotes of All Time
Humor and Life Advice From the Mind of Mel Brooks