by David D. Horowitz.
Daylight complements, not opposes, nighttime. Typically regarded as a symbol of hope, understanding, and open-minded exchange, daylight implies idealistic aspiration. Nighttime, by contrast, suggests mystery, illicit desire, and lurking capacity for violence.
Yet, nighttime also suggests rest, sleep, and refreshing retreat from excessive worldly attachment. It can suggest serene silence, not necessarily nightmares or busy lamplit boulevards. At night, the stars emerge, and their undiminished brightness, year after year, offers hope just as persistent as that offered by daylight. Likewise, moonlight shimmering on a pond at night or a tucked-in child falling asleep on her bed can evoke feelings of warmth and hope.
Daylight and nighttime might contrast, then, but are not a dichotomy. Rather, they are like yin and yang. This merits mention in the USA just now, given the tendency of our major political parties, and particularly the GOP, to view “opponents” as forces of “darkness” and “evil.” Most so-called opponents are simply human beings with a partially different perspective than we have. That does not mean all perspectives are equally true or ethical or that all people are equally considerate. It does suggest, though, we should consider diverse viewpoints before deciding what we believe is “true.” In the spirit of yin and yang, “truth” most readily emerges during continually adjusted balancing, not a one-time selection of permanently favored dogma. Daylight doesn’t save us from darkness; it challenges us to enter darkness. Openness to fresh evidence and reconsideration are guiding stars in wisdom’s sky, not dogma denying doubt and fear avoiding complexity. Venture into the darkness if you want to reach a place with more light. Dare to explore your doubts. Celebrate the freedom to wonder.
At night, be guided by moonlight and starlight; they’re both forms of light, after all, and stars’ silver persistence seems to reassure us despite earthly dangers. Indeed, the stars seem to whisper: there is hope beyond danger, understanding beyond confusion, and perseverance beyond vacillation. Keep going.