Only in Darkness Can You See the Stars
The famous line, “I fall upon the thorns of life, I bleed,” from Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind, reflects a perspective of suffering. But is suffering the ultimate reality of human existence? Hardships are often feared, yet it is in the darkest moments that light becomes most visible. Some argue otherwise, believing that individuals who bear the emotional and socio-economic consequences of life’s complex and evolving journey are severely affected when confronted with adversity. This perspective, however, overlooks the human capacity to cultivate and nurture resilience over time. To be precise, this belief is rooted in the “permanent defeat fallacy.” In reality, history has shown that hardships often serve as the backdrop against which human resilience, progress, and innovation shine. Challenges not only strengthen nations and leadership but also fuel innovation and adaptation. Adversity strengthens societal bonds; ecosystems recover after disasters; and justice systems are reformed in the face of inefficiency and dissent. Thus, like stars that are visible only in darkness, individuals, societies, and nations reveal their strength, potential, and brilliance when confronted with despair.
The phrase “when it is dark, can you see the stars” illustrates that, just as stars become visible at night, people, societies, and nations reveal their hidden potential in tough times. Humans possess an inherent capacity to develop and sustain resilience over time, ultimately finding ways to overcome despair. They can rise, heal, and transform challenges into stepping stones for success. While challenges, like the darkness of the night sky, are inevitable, they do not necessarily leave one defeated. Instead, they foster resilience, strength, and growth, much like the stars that shine brightest in the darkest nights.
Contrary to this, some argue that hardships do not always lead to growth but can instead cause lasting suffering. Those who endure extreme adversity—such as war, chronic poverty, or systemic discrimination—often find themselves trapped in circumstances beyond their control. In war-torn regions, for instance, continuous violence and displacement strip people of stability and hope, leaving them struggling for mere survival. Similarly, prolonged exposure to hardship can take a severe toll on mental health, leading to conditions like depression and PTSD, which hinder personal growth. Without external support, resilience alone is insufficient, and hardship may reinforce cycles of inequality rather than fostering strength. However, while these challenges are undeniable, history and human experience reveal that adversity, when met with perseverance and innovation, has also been a catalyst for transformation. Analysis of various case studies from political, economic, social, technological, and legal domains illustrates the importance of resilience over despair—in other words, seeing the stars in the darkness.
Adversity has long been a catalyst for strengthening nations and leadership. Throughout history, resilient nations have emerged from turmoil, forging paths to prosperity and self-determination. Post-colonial states, such as India and Pakistan, overcame the yoke of foreign domination to establish their sovereignty. Similarly, the Palestinian resistance has continued to defy Israeli occupation, exemplifying the indomitable will to survive and thrive in tough times. Effective leadership has also been a hallmark of nations navigating turbulent times. Visionary leaders like Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali Jinnah rose to prominence during periods of crisis, guiding their nations toward freedom, justice, and equality. Their legacies serve as a testament to the transformative power of adversity in shaping the destiny of nations and their leaders. Thus, it can be argued that people, societies, and nations reveal their true potential when confronted with challenges.
Challenges not only strengthen nations and leadership but also fuel innovation and progress. Various historical and contemporary case studies illustrate that challenges serve as a driving force for inventions and adaptations. For instance, stronger financial regulations emerged after the 2008 economic crisis. Similarly, a more robust global economic regime was established under the auspices of international organizations following the Great Depression (1929–1939). Indeed, it is in challenging times that nations and institutions explore alternative and creative ways to survive. Startups like Uber and Airbnb were born during economic downturns. Similarly, countries politically targeted by U.S. economic sanctions, such as Russia and Iran, are exploring new avenues by diversifying their economies. In this context, Russia is pivoting toward Asia, while Iran is uncovering potential opportunities with China. Thus, it can be argued that societies and nations reveal their true potential and brilliance in the face of adversity. Beyond this, does adversity influence societal bonds and personal growth?
Hardships, indeed, strengthen societal bonds. Throughout history, societal progress has emerged from inequalities, paving the way toward equality and justice, as evidenced by global movements for gender equality and anti-racism. Similarly, the unity of communities in times of crisis—whether man-made or natural—is a common observation that signifies humanity’s ability to see the stars in darkness. Those who have never experienced challenging circumstances may never achieve self-actualization. For instance, Marie Antoinette would likely not have made the apathetic statement, “Let them eat cake,” when her subjects were crying out for bread, had she ever experienced impoverished circumstances even once in her life. Empathy and wisdom, which are elements of developed character, are often gained through repeated encounters with failure and hardship. Therefore, it can be deduced that societies and individuals are able to see the stars in darkness.
Likewise, it has long been understood that invention is born from necessity, and necessity often takes root in sorrow’s night. When faced with challenges, humans are compelled to find solutions, leading to new ideas and inventions. Thomas Edison aptly stated, “The darkest hour is just before the dawn.” A prime example of a scientific breakthrough during a period of crisis is the invention of the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic, which reflects humanity’s ability to find a way out of tough times. Similarly, adversity not only develops personal and societal resilience but also fuels technological resilience. Had humanity not been confronted with climate crises, creative and sustainable solutions like green energy might not have emerged. Hence, it can be deduced that societies and individuals are able to see the stars in darkness.
This principle is not limited to the technological and scientific domains; the environment, too, offers phenomena that illustrate the importance of resilience over despair—seeing the stars in darkness. Ecosystems recover from disasters. For instance, forests regrow after wildfires, reflecting nature’s self-healing capacity. Similarly, coral reefs regenerate after bleaching events, and rivers carve new paths after floods, reflecting nature’s ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity. These natural cycles of recovery serve as powerful metaphors for human resilience, reminding us that setbacks are not the end but rather opportunities for renewal and growth. Therefore, it can be deduced that people, too, are able to see the stars in darkness. Thus, individuals, societies, and nations reveal their true potential when confronted with challenges.
Equally relevant is the application of resilience over despair in the legal domain, where the evolution of legal systems has often been shaped by hardships and crises. For instance, labor rights laws emerged in response to the exploitation of workers during the Industrial Revolution, ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safer conditions. Similarly, the horrors of World War II led to the establishment of international human rights laws, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to prevent future atrocities and uphold human dignity. These developments highlight how legal frameworks, much like nature and technology, evolve through adversity, reinforcing the principle that progress is born out of struggle and resilience.
To conclude, in the larger trajectory of the human species, darkness is not an end but an invitation for resilience, healing, and creation. At times when adversity feels overwhelming and even incapacitating, history has proven that individual, societal, and national struggles serve as the foundation on which we build a stronger future. The brightest examples of human potential sparkle in the face of adversity through innovations, strengthened societal bonds, and improved systems of governance. Although hardship may sometimes seem insurmountable, it is through these very struggles that humanity discovers its greatest strengths. Just as the night sky reveals the brilliance of the stars, so too does adversity uncover the depths of human perseverance. In the end, it is only when it is dark that one can see the stars.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Muqaddas Hanif
The writer is a Biological Sciences student with a passion for public service.
